PART I.

CHARACTER AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR RIDING.

A knowledge of the general character and disposition of the horse is really and absolutely necessary to his skilful management, from his extremely nervous sensibility, his aptness to take the various impressions of fear, affection, or dislike, to any of which he is naturally very quickly disposed.

"Reas'ning at ev'ry step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way; While meaner things by instinct led Are rarely known to stray."

Speaking in soothing terms to a horse, so that he may become familiar to the voice, gives him confidence in his rider, which is of the _utmost importance_. At all times more is to be accomplished with the animal by gentle means than could possibly be done by harsh ones: kindness, or its opposite, is speedily conveyed to and retained in his memory, which is remarkably retentive. This mutual confidence is perfectly appreciated by the Arabs. They invariably treat their horses with the greatest kindness and affection; they are the Bedouins' beloved and stanch companions, and on them is the Arabs' sole reliance in their predatory excursions; they inhabit the same tent, and the neck of the horse is not unfrequently the pillow of the Arab and his family; yet no accident ever occurs; the kindness with which he is treated gives him an affection for his master, a desire to please, and a pride in exerting every energy in obedience to his command.

Bad habits are speedily acquired by the horse, and when once learned, are very difficult to break him of.

_In nine cases out of ten they arise_ from the _stupidity, joined to the brutality_, of an _idle, drunken, ill-tempered_ groom; _who, when out of temper, invariably vents his rage_ upon the unoffending animal, which, at last, to protect (or revenge) itself from the besotted tormentor, acquires a habit of kicking and biting at every person and thing coming within its reach, fearing that they are about to maltreat it.

Many horses are condemned as _vicious_, and actually are rendered so through _timidity_ on the part of the _rider_.

The animal may be playful from rest, or a lively temper by nature; the rider, _whose judgment_ may not enable him to _discriminate_ between playfulness, nervousness, or vice, becomes alarmed, and, consequently, loses his self-command; and, perhaps, not having learned the _correct mode of using_ his _hands and reins_, in his _boisterous endeavours_ to _save himself from falling_, imparts fear to his horse. The animal naturally imagines he has been guilty of some great fault, and is _fearful of punishment_; and should he _not be familiar with the voice of his rider_, then a mutual struggle for safety takes place, and causes an accident. The horse is _then_ condemned as "_vicious_," though the rider was _alone_ in fault. The _same horse_, in the hands of an _experienced_ horseman, would become as QUIET as ever. We often find that really dangerous horses have been reclaimed by ladies riding them! This is entirely owing to their using them _gently_, but firmly, and speaking to them kindly; by these means confidence is imparted, and makes them

"All that a horse should be, which nought did lack Save a good rider on so proud a back."

A few minutes' riding will be sufficient to discover the nature and temper of a horse, likewise what system of treatment has been pursued towards him (which, in consequence, must be still followed).

There are very many persons who are considered good horsemen, who have no fear, and will ride anything, or _at_ anything, yet have no idea, beyond the mere fact of riding, whether the saddle, bridle, and accoutrements are properly placed. The neglect of attending to these matters has caused many serious accidents.

The _method_ of gracefully _holding_ and _using_ the _reins_ is _very important_, although but _little understood_ or _attended_ to; in fact, it seems but _a secondary_ consideration with Riding-masters, where it should be a SINE QUA NON. One person may pull at a runaway horse with all his strength, but to no purpose; another possessing that knowledge shall be able to manage, and hold him with a pack-thread.

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RUNAWAY HORSES are most frequently made so by bad and timid riders, who make use of a whip and spurs without having a _firm seat_. Such persons are easily unseated on the horse shying, or jumping about in a playful mood; then, in their endeavours to recover themselves, they slacken their reins, and at the same time unintentionally goad him with their spurs, or strike him with their whip. In clutching at the reins, the horse becoming frightened, naturally increases his speed, until, from the continued irritation of whip and spur, in the terrified horseman's futile attempts to subdue him, the horse becomes maddened with terror and excitement, and ultimately throws his rider.

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SHYING is often the result of skittishness or affectation at first. This may be easily overcome and cured, at its commencement, by the judicious treatment of the rider, in using firmness tempered with kindness; avoiding all harsh measures, and passing the horse several times quietly by the object which caused him to shy. A word, half-scolding, half-encouraging, with a gentle pressure of the heel, or a slight touch of the spur or whip, will convince him there is nothing to fear; and, further, will give the animal _confidence_ in his rider on future occasions.

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KICKING is a dangerous vice, and generally the result of an idle groom or stable-boy playing with the horse, and pinching him on the loins; so that, should any extraneous substance be in the padding of the saddle, or the flaps of a coat touch him there, or even a hand be thoughtlessly laid on his quarters, he immediately commences kicking to dislodge the cause. Once succeeding, he has invariably recourse to the same remedy, until the habit becomes confirmed.

There are many valuable horses ruined by thoughtlessness and folly.--This is more frequently the case with animals of high courage. In many instances, a _very trivial_ alteration in the adjustment of the saddle or bridle, &c. (had the rider been properly instructed, and therefore possessing the knowledge how such alterations should be made), would have saved great danger and annoyance to the rider, and _unnecessary_ pain to the horse.

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WHEN A HORSE IS KICKING, the rider should throw his body _well back_, raise the horse's head, and apply the whip smartly over his shoulders.

Rearing is very dangerous, and most difficult to break. It is often caused by the bit being too sharp for the horse, his mouth being tender, or perhaps sore.

_When rearing_, the whole weight of horse and rider being thrown perpendicularly on the animal's hind legs, the _most trifling_ check from the rider's hand would cause him to fall backwards; the rider must drop his hand as before, loosen the reins, and throw his whole weight on his shoulders, at the same time catching him 'round the neck with his right hand. These directions will much assist in bringing him down on his feet again, and prevent the rider's body from falling backwards.

Unsteadiness in mounting is very often the consequence of the horse's eagerness and anxiety to start. It is generally the fault with thorough-bred, high-couraged, young and nervous horses. It is a most annoying fault, especially with elderly and timid riders, many of whom are frequently thrown before they can firmly seat themselves.

This is only to be cured by an active and good horseman, combined with firm, though gentle and kind, usage; by approaching him gently and patting him, mounting at the _first_ effort, and when seated, restraining him, patting his neck, and speaking kindly to him, but, at the same time, not allowing him to move until he is perfectly quiet. In a few days he will be quite cured of his fault. Remember! _harshness must never be used_ in this case, as great mischief may be done by such a course, and the habit _will be confirmed_.

KINDNESS will succeed generally in most cases of vice; HARSHNESS _never will_ in any!

The position of the saddle should be in accordance with the formation of the horse's shoulders, and about a hand's breadth from them, so as not in any way to interfere with or impede the _free action_ of the muscles.

The malposition of the saddle, particularly in horses with upright shoulders, is the cause of many horses falling, from its pressing too much on the shoulders, and by that means confining the action of the muscles, which thus become benumbed, and lose their elasticity. A partial deadening of the limbs having taken place, the horse, from want of vitality in the legs, stumbles, and is unable, through the torpidity of the muscles, to recover himself, and falls to the ground; in many cases he has been known to fall as if shot.

The saddle should be wide, and roomy. The length of the stirrups should be such as to give ease to both horse and rider; the latter ought at all times to assimilate his movements in the saddle to those of the horse in his stride.

A tight rein should always be avoided, because, if he carries his head low, it tends to deaden his mouth, and teaches him the bad habit of depending upon the bridle for support; in which case, he always goes heavily in hand, and on his shoulders. The horse should at all times be taught to go on his haunches.

If the horse naturally carries his head well, it is better to ride him with a light hand, only just feeling his mouth.

"With neck like a rainbow, erecting his crest, Pamper'd, prancing, and pleased, his head touching his breast; Scarcely snuffing the air, he's so proud and elate, The high-mettled racer first starts for the plate."

OLD SONG.

ON PROPERLY FIXING THE BRIDLE, SADDLE, &c.

THE BRIDLE.

In fitting the bridle, THE CURB BIT should be placed so that the mouth-piece be but one inch above the lower tusk,--in mares, two inches above the corner tooth; THE BRIDOON touching the corner of the lips, so as to fit easy, without wrinkling them; THE HEADSTALL parallel to the projecting cheek-bone, and behind it; THE THROAT LASH should be sufficiently long to fall just below the cheek-bone, and not lay over or upon it; THE NOSE BAND should be placed low--but that must depend very much on the size of the horse's mouth--and not buckled tight; THE CURB, when properly fitted, should be flat and smooth in the hollow of the lips, so as to admit one finger easily between.

THE SADDLE

should be placed in the middle of the horse's back, about a hand's breadth, or four or five inches, from the shoulders, so as to give perfect freedom to the action of the muscles of the shoulders.

THE GIRTHS must be laid evenly one over the other, and admit freedom for one finger between the girth and the horse's belly. THE SURCINGLE should fit neatly over the girths, and not be buckled tighter than they are. The large ring of THE BREASTPLATE or MARTINGALE should be placed about two inches above the sharp breast-bone, and should allow of the hand being laid flat between it and the shoulders.

THE STIRRUPS.

In length they should be so that the bottom edge of the bar is about three inches above the heel of the boot. The author always adopts the following method for ascertaining the correct length of the stirrups, viz.:--He takes up the stirrup-iron with the right hand, at the same time placing the bottom of the stirrup-iron under the left arm-pit, he extends the _left_ arm until the fingers of _that_ hand _easily touch_ the stirrup _buckles_; _this_ is a _sure criterion_ with most people.

ON MOUNTING.

In mounting, the horse should always be approached quietly on the near (or left) side, and the reins taken up steadily. THE SNAFFLE (or bridoon) rein first, then pass this rein along the palm of the left hand, between the forefinger and thumb. THE CURB REIN must now be drawn over the little finger, and both reins being held of an equal length, and having an even pressure on the horse's mouth, must be laid over each other, being held firmly in the hand, the thumb pressing hard upon them to prevent them slipping through the fingers. Be particular that the reins are not taken up too short, for fear it might cause the horse to rear or run back; _they must be held neither too tight nor too slack_, _but having an equal feeling of the horse's mouth_. Next take up a handful of the mane with the right hand, bring it through the full of the left hand (otherwise the palm), and twist it round the thumb. Take hold of the stirrup with the right hand, the thumb in front. Place the left foot in the stirrup as far as the ball of it, placing the right hand on the cantle (or back part of the saddle), and, by a spring of the right foot from the instep, the rider should raise himself up in the stirrup, then move the hand from the cantle to the pummel, to support the body while the right leg passes clearly over the horse's quarters; the rider's right knee closes on the saddle and the body falls gently into it. The left hand now quits the mane, and the second stirrup must be taken without the help of eye or hand.

The left hand (the bridle hand) must be placed with the wrist rounded outwards, opposite the centre of the body, and about three inches from it, letting the right arm drop unconstrained by the side of the thigh.

POSITION IN THE SADDLE.

The rider must sit upright, and equally balanced in the middle of his saddle, head erect, and his shoulders well thrown back, his chest advanced, the small of his back bent forward, but without stiffness. The hollow part of the arm should hang down straight from the shoulder, the lower part square to the upper, the thighs well stretched down, the _flat part_ to the saddle, so that the fore part of the knees may press and grasp it. Let the legs hang down easily and naturally, close to the horse's sides, with the feet parallel to the same, and the heels well depressed; the toes raised from the instep, and as near the horse's sides as the heels; the feet retained in the stirrups by an easy play of the ankle and stirrup, the stirrup to be kept under the ball of the foot, the joint of the wrist kept easy and pliable, so as to give and take as occasion may require. _A firm and well-balanced position on horseback is of the utmost importance_, it affects the horse in every motion, and failure in this proves one of his greatest impediments, and will naturally injure him in all his movements.

In riding, the hands and legs should act in correspondence in everything, the latter being always held subservient to the former.

It is easy to discover those who have been thoroughly instructed in the _manege_, by their firm, graceful, and uniform position in the saddle, and their ready and skilful application of the aids or motions, and the correct appliance of the bridle, hands, and legs; such being _indispensable_ to the skilful guidance and control of the horse.