BREAKING AND RIDING.

CHAPTER I. HORSE AND MAN.

The Horse—Feeding—Intelligence of the Horse—Influence of a Man's expression of face on a Horse—Influence of the Human Voice on a Horse—Making much of a Horse—Punishment—Bitting—Martingale—Saddle—Stirrups—Cutting Whip—Spurs—Man's Seat—Lady's Seat.

THE HORSE.

Although I break in only thorough-breds for my own use ; I in no way assume that three-quarter or half-breds cannot be good riding horses. I do not care for very big animals, and prefer those about 15.2, or, say from 15.1 to 15.3. When examining a horse, I at first take a general view of him at a distance of a few yards. If the first impression is pleasing, I go over his various points in detail, with a fairly liberal spirit, as regards trifling faults ; but if it is not favourable, I become all the more critical. In any case, it is hopeless to expect perfection. In this first general examination, we should be particularly careful to see how he moves at the walk, trot and canter, both when led and ridden.

Some horses appear badly shaped when standing still ; but become good-looking, light and active as soon as they begin to move. Others, which seem almost perfect in repose, are heavy and awkward in their paces. I prefer the former to the latter, because they can utilise what they have got.