HAND 



education to a science. Its details are far too 

 elaborate to enter on here, but one of its first 

 principles, applied in the most elementary tuition, 

 is never to let the horse recoil from his bridle. 



" Drop your hands ! " say nine good riders out 

 of ten, when the pupil's head is thrown up to 

 avoid control. " Not so," replies Baucher. "On 

 the contrary, tighten and increase your pressure 

 more and more, keeping the rebel up to his bit 

 with legs and spurs if necessary, till he yields, 

 not you ; then on the instant, rapidly and dexter- 

 ously, as you would strike in fly-fishing, give to 

 him, and he will come into your hand ! " 



I have tried his method myself, in more than 

 one instance, and am inclined to think it is 

 founded on common-sense. 



But in all our dealings with him, we should 

 remember that the horse's mouth is naturally 

 delicate and sensitive, though we so often find it 

 hardened by violence and ill-usage. The amount 

 of force we apply, therefore, whether small or 

 great, should be measured no less accurately than 

 the drops of laudanum administered to a patient 

 by the nurse. Reins are intended for the guidance 

 of the horse, not the support of his rider, and if 

 you do not feel secure without holding on by 

 something, rather than pluck at his mouth, 

 accept the ridicule of the position with its safety, 

 and grasp the mane ! 



87 



