Animations proceed from the hand, the leg, the whip, or the tongue;
those of the hand and of the legs have been described among the aids.
Animations of the whip are mild taps to quicken the horse, or, if the
lash is upwards, switching it in the air. Those of the leg and whip
threaten punishment; and accordingly, with sluggish horses, both may
be necessary. The animation of the tongue is produced by placing the
tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, and suddenly displacing
the posterior part of it by drawing the air laterally between it and
the palate. This noise is animating to the horse; but, if too much
continued, or too frequent, its effect is destroyed.
Soothings are the reverse of animations, and are used to dispel the
fears of horses, and to give them confidence. The voice soothes by
soft and mild tones; the hand, by gentle patting, or stroking: the
body and legs, by relinquishing all unnecessary firmness, and sitting
easy. A horseman should have perfect command of his temper, as well
as invincible patience and perseverance, to make the horse comprehend
and perform. He must demand but little the first time; he will be more
readily obeyed the next; and he may increase his demands as the horse
improves in habit and temper.
Corrections are given either with the spurs or switch, or by keeping
the horse in a greater degree of subjection. In these a good horseman
endeavours rather to work upon the mind than the body of the horse.
The corrections which render a horse most obedient, and yet dishearten
him least, are not severe, but rather oppose him by restraint, and
make him do directly the contrary. If, for example, he do not go off
readily, or if he be sluggish, make him go sidewise, sometimes to one
hand, sometimes the other, then drive him forward.--If he go forward
too fast, moderate the aids, and make him go backward more or less
according to his conduct.--If he be disorderly and turbulent, walk him
straight forward, with head in and croupe out.
When correction is given with the whip, it should be with strength;
the lash being upwards, the arm lifted high, and the whip applied
behind the girths round the belly: or it may be given forward, over
the shoulders, between the fore-legs. Should the horse kick at the
application of the whip to his flank or quarter, the rider must
instantly apply it smartly, and must repeat it more sharply, should he
kick at that. By this, he may be made sensible of his fault.
To give a horse both spurs properly, the rider must change the posture
of his legs, and, bending his knee, strike him with them at once,
quickly and firmly. Some horses disregard the whip, but fly at the
spurs; others disregard the spurs, and are terrified at the whip; the
rider consequently will apply that which is most likely to produce the
desired effect. When, however, the whip or spurs are applied two or
three times sharply to restive horses without effect, the rider must
desist, and try other methods.