Hand-book on the treatment of the horse; in the stable and on the road or, Hints to horse owners
Charles Wharton
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, May 22, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 Excerpt: ...or bit. The best way to settle the question is to ask the lady on which side she prefers you to ride, as some, I know, admitting the greater security of the left, still like their companion on the right. And now a few words on the subject of road-riding, dismounting, and we will suppose our pupil to have attained a fair proficiency as an equestrienne. Ladies, do not ride your horses too hard; recollect they have legs and wind-works to be injured, and they afford you so much pleasure you must give a little thought to their welfare. I know how delightful a light canter or gallop is, and the longer you can keep it up the greater the pleasure, at least until you become fatigued: but your horse will come to that sooner than you, having the weight to carry; therefore think of him. Half a mile is enough at any one time for an extended gallop, then ease him up to a slow trot and to a walk for a quarter, then trot a quarter, and, if disposed, now you may gallop another half-mile. By so changing his gait he is very much relieved, and can carry you a much greater distance with less fatigue than if kept at one gait for a length of time; the change at the same time will be a relief to you. When you desire to start him in the gallop, touch him behind with your whip, raise him on the curb, speaking to him to go at same time. The same general rules for ladies in regard to the use of bridle as gentlemen. Now, if our fair reader is satisfied with her ride, we will return and dismount, being very particular to walk our horses for the last half-mile or mile, if agreeable, before reaching home. 2d. To Dismount.--Horse stopped; reins changed from left to right, she holding them at the end to be dropped as she alights; foot out of stirrup, and leg over or off pommel. Gentleman of...