TICKS, TRICKS, AND FAULTS. 71 



be allowed to become indolent, nor be permittQd to hang 

 upon the bit. On descending a hill the horse must have 

 liberty of action, for if he steps too short he is liable to 

 come down ; and a horse that is checked has not enough 

 freedom for his safety. It is after a long day's work that 

 a weary horse may for the first time stumble, and it is a 

 mistaken idea of kindness that induces the rider to let a 

 horse take his head upon such an occasion. The horse 

 misses the encouragement of the rein and the support of 

 the leg, and is invited to fall. Besides it is much more 

 fatiguing for him to bear his burden, deprived of the 

 usual aids, and in drooping spirits. Finally, in case of 

 a fall, either of a stumbling horse, or under any other 

 circumstances, the rider should hold on to the rein until 

 he is assured that his feet are free of the stirrups. 



