FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



legs, reinforced, if necessary, by occasional appli- 

 cations of the spur. He will not even stand 

 properly, or back collectively, unless the rider's 

 legs are doing their part. 



If it is desired to teach your horse to guide by 

 the neck, a simple crossing of the reins under the 

 neck, that a pressure on one side may accompany 

 a pull on the opposite of the mouth, will quickly 

 promote it ; or the western " hack-amore," a 

 rope around nose and through mouth, will soon 

 accomplish it roughly. As a civilian, however, 

 you have two hands free, and will, if you ride 

 much, find ample employment for both of them. 

 There is no more reason for riding with one hand 

 than there is for always mounting on the nigh 

 side, as a moment's thought will show you. 



Never speak to your horse more than 

 two words: "Whoa," and' "C'lk;" and do, 

 pray do, forget the latter, or the exasperating 

 " P-w-e-e-e-p," so often heard, at least when in 

 company. You have no right to ride any one's 

 horse but your own, and your legs should suffice 

 for that. Your " Whoa " should mean but one 

 thing — dead stop — and be always quick and 

 sharp, never drawled. Make your horse back 

 frequently, and never be satisfied unless he will 



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