The School of Recreation (1696 edition) - Or a Guide to the Most Ingenious Exercises of Hunting, - Riding, Racing, Fireworks, Military Discipline, The Science - of Defence by Robert Howlett
page 21 of 189 (11%)
page 21 of 189 (11%)
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Being thus brought to some certainty of _Rein_, and _Trotting_ forth-right, then to the treading _forth of the large Rings_. And here first examine your Horses Nature, before you choose your Ground, for, if his Nature be dull and sloathful, yet strong, then _New-Plow'd-Field_ is best; if _Active_, _Quick_ and _Fiery_, then _Sandy-ground_ is to be preferred; in the most proper of which mark out a large Ring, of a Hundred paces circumference. Walk about it on the right seven or eight times, then by a little straightning your right Rein, and laying your left leg calf to his side, make a half Circle within the Ring upon your right down to its Center; then by straightning a little your left Rein, and laying your right Leg Calf to his side, make a half Circle to your left hand, from the Center to the outmost Verge, and these you see contrary turned make a Roman _S_. Now to your first large Compass, walk him about on your left hand, as oft as before on the right, and change to your right within your Ring; then Trot him first on the right-hand, then on the left, as long as you judge fit, and as often Mornings and Evenings, as the Nature of your Horse shall require. In the same manner you may make him to _Gallop_ the same Rings, though you must not enter it all at once, but by degrees, first a Quarter, then a Half-quarter; and the Lightness and Cheerfulness of your Body, not the Spur, must induce him to it. The next Lesson is to _Stop Fair_, _Comely_, and without Danger. First see that the Ground be hard and firm, then having cherisht your Horse, bring him to a swift Trot, about Fifty Paces, and then straightly & suddenly draw in your Bridle hand; then ease a little your hand to make him give backward, and in so doing, give him liberty and cherish him; then drawing in your Bridle hand, make him retire, and go back; if he strike, ease your hand: if he refuse, let some by-stander put him back, |
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