is head should be raised and supported, by
elevating the hand; and the lady should instantly throw herself back, so
as to relieve his shoulders from her weight. It is useless to whip a
horse after stumbling (as it is, also, after shying); for, it is clear,
he would not run the risk of breaking his knees, or his nose, if he
could help it. If a horse be constantly punished for stumbling, the
moment he has recovered from a false step, he will start forward,
flurried and disunited, in fear of the whip, and not only put the rider
to inconvenience, but run the risk of a repetition of his mishap, before
he regains his self-possession. It being generally the practice,--and a
very bad practice it is,--for riders to correct horses after having made
a false step, an habitual stumbler may be easily detected. When a horse,
that is tolerably safe, makes a false step, he gathers himself up, and
is slightly animated for a moment or two only, or goes on as if nothing
had happened; but if he be an old offender, he will remember the
punishment he has repeatedly received immediately after a stumble, and
dash forward in the manner we have described, expecting the usual
flagellation for his misfortune.

When a horse evinces any disposition to kick, or rear, the reins should
be separated, and held by both hands, in the manner we have described in
a previous page. This should also be done when he attempts to run away,
grows restive, or shies. The body should also be put in its proper
balance for performing the defences: the shoulders should be thrown
back, the waist brought forward, and the head well poised on the neck.
Every part of the frame must be flexible, but perfectly ready for
action.

[Illustration]

The principal danger attendant on the horse's rearing is, that the rider
may fall over the croup, and, perhaps, pull the horse backward upon her.
To prevent either of these consequences, immediately that a horse
rises, slacken the reins, and bend the body forward, so as to throw its
weight on his shoulders; and the moment his fore-feet come to the
ground,--having recovered your position, gradually, as he
descends,--correct him smartly, if he will bear it; or, endeavour to
pull him round two or three times, and thus divert him from his object.

The latter course may also be adopted to prevent his rearing, if the
rider should foresee his intention.

A horse that displays any symptoms of kicking, should be held tight in
hand. While his