THE Art of Riding, set forth in a brief treatise, with a due interpretation of certain places alleged out of Xenophon, and Gryson, very expert and excellent Horsemen:  
Wherein also the true use of the hand by the said Grysons rules and precepts is specially touched: and how the Author of this present work hath put the same in practice, also what profit men may reap thereby: without the knowledge whereof, all the residue of the order of Riding is but vain.  
lastly, is added a short discourse of the Chain or Cavezzan, the Trench, and the Martingale: written by a Gentleman of great skill and long experience in the said Art.  
Imprinted at London, by Henry Denham. 1584.   

To the Right worshipful Gentlemen Pensioners, M. Henry Mackwilliam, and M. William Fire-beams.  
WHen as it pleased the right worshipful M. Alley M. of the jewel house, earnestly to desire me to satisfle you right worthy Gentlemen his very good friends, as touching the right use of the Canezzan first moved unto him by you Master Mackwilliam, as afterward for the like use also of the Bit, by you M. Fitzwilliams, and that in writing; the which things both do specially rest in the true use of the hand, wherein the chief substance of the whole Art of Riding standeth: I was in great doubt what answer to make. For as I was very loath to deny the earnest request of such a person, to whom I thought myself so greatly bound; so do I fear to fall into the just blame that they deserve, which take upon them the thing that is above their power, or so presume to put themselves in press among so many, as have so well written of the said Art already.  
But hereunto, he (as one more desirous to satisfy you, than willing to unburden me) answered and said; Though it be true in deed, that diverse have so done, yet every one that is desirous to be a professor, or at least a practiser of this Art (as the whole company of valorous young Gentlemen ought to be) do not conceive the true meaning of the said Authors rules, or can judge of the errors of ill teachers, by whom they be deceived otherwhiles rather than taught, as by the daily practising of them one may easily perceive.  
The true use of the which are not gotten at the first assay, but by long experience, and daily conference with such as have had long practise in the said Art, as he supposeth I have had: and here upon makes me believe I may do somewhat to the great profit of such young beginners, though not by giving of new, or altering the old, but by the way of interpreting, explaining or showing the reasons of such rules, as specially in this point, which is chiefly purposed to be treated of at this time, that is, concerning the true use of the hand: a thing not easy, but very hard to be understood, and fewest rules be given thereof, and commonly most unskilfully used: so as thereby they may the better understand the meanings of those Authors, & also judge of others doings, and be more wary in their own practisings. And by this means also he persuadeth me that I shall avoid the dangers which I before so greatly doubted of, and thus hath he conjured me (as it were) to take this matter upon me, as he saith you have done him M. Mackwilliam very oftentimes to have it done.  
In this manner therefore thus moved thereunto, I shallbe content to do my best to satisfy you all, yet letting you understand therewith, that as the shame is like to fall on me, if through mine unableness any fault be justly found; so will the blame be common to us all, but most to him, that hath been the chiefest procurer thereof; and least to me (I hope) that was so loath to take this enterprise upon me. Now than I have first to consider in what order I shall proceed therein. For how shall one make another understand, to what purpose the pommel of a sword serveth, if he show him not first what a sword itself is? even so how shall a man make another know what the true use of the hand is in the Art of Riding, if first he doth him not to understand in general, what the very Art itself in nature is?  
I therefore have thought good to proceed in this manner. First, to show what this Art is, and out of that to draw the right use of the hand. The first part I will pass over with a short discourse, and confirm the same with approved authorities. The other, as touching the true use of the hand, I mean to show, by telling in what sort I have practised those Author's rules, and what profit I have found thereby; and therein by the way to interpret and explain where need shall so require, such places as may seem in them any thing hard or uneasy to be understood.  
And so I will leave it to your considerations, & require you both most earnestly, before you make it common, that you will cause it to be perused privately, by some particular friends skilful in that Art, according to your promise M. Mackwilliam, when you first motioned the matter unto the M. of the jewel house, as he hath often told me: among the which I would most gladly, that M. Th. Blundevile specially should have a view thereof, who hath already gathered very diligently the whole substance of that book of the order of Riding, which was written by that excellent M. in that Art Fredrick Gryson a noble Gentleman of the city of Naples, and hath very skilfully put it in such order, as if men take good heed, & willbe diligent, they cannot but greatly profit thereby, to the great benefit of themselves, and the service of their country. For the which, and many other his good abilities, if this time were not too much unkind and forgetful, he could not lie thus hidden as he doth.  
And this done, than my request is, that it may be returned to me again, before you proceed any further: and thereupon I will not fail forthwith to send it you again. And thus I leave it to your favourable interpretation, and to your wise and friendly protection, wishing you both that you most desire. The last of September, 1583.  
By yours to command, G. B.   

To our very loving Companions, and fellows in Arms, her majesties Gentlemen Pensioners: and to the gentle Reader whosoever.  
IT hath been practised by many excellent men in sundry professions, to forbear the publishing of their own names with such works, as they have set forth with singular skill for the benefit of their country. Their intent wherein (as we conceive) hath been only this, to profit and benefit others, without regarding any way to purchase praise or commendation unto themselves. Which frank and liberal kind of dealing, as it proceedeth (doubtless) of a noble disposition of mind, which seeketh rather to do, than to be seen in doing, and passeth not for so mean a reward, as is commonly due for speech, or for a man's tranell by his pen: so were it a kind of injury, to suffer the names of such excellent persons (worthy to bear name abroad above others) to rest in that sort drowned in silence and darkness, and not rather to endeavour (though contrary to their likings in that behalf) to advance their doings, and to make them openly known unto the world, thereby to receive part of that honour which is due unto them. For praise and renown is unto none so justly due, as unto those, which in any virtuous action do least affect it. In this number, which is but rare, must we note unto you (though perchance not without some offence unto him) the worthy Gentleman M. john Astley, master of her majesties jewel house, and Gentleman of her privy chamber, a man, besides his reputation and countenance in Court, known to be of singular shill in the Art of Riding: who (in truth) being the Author of this treatise, and yet either for modesty's sake, or otherwise careless, that the world should yield praise and commendation unto him for his travel therein taken, hath sought by all the means he could (as may appear by the Epistle, under the Cipher of two letters hereunto prefixed) to suppress, and in no wise to have his own name seen in the same; rather contented that any other should carry the opinion thereof, than he himself: where as (by his favour be it spoken) he ought rather to have done the contrary, and to have entitled his name unto his own work, whereby the same should have received both credit and reputation. Howbeit, this matter being handled with such exquisite skill and judgement, as by the perusing of this book you shall perceive it is, it was an easy matter, thereby to have known M. Astley, though his name had been never so much dissembled, or the same not otherwise notified unto you: for the matter itself (no doubt) would soon have lead you to judge that to be his, which (happily) few men else could have done but he. Therefore (for our parts) being loath that so worthy a Gentleman, who hath traveled so carefully, and so kindly for the good of his country, and was the onelie-man, that persuaded Master blundevil to take first in hand his work of Fredrick Gryson (which we all have received no small benefit by) should be defrauded of his due commendation, though he himself do little regard it. And because the work itself is such, as may boldly abide the censure of the most precise and skilful in this profession, and withal beseem his own name very well: we have adventured (as you see) not fearing any blame for our boldness herein, (because in so doing, we mean nothing but all love and honour unto him) to declare thus much unto you, concerning the very Author of this present work, which cometh now of his friendly liberality into your hands, to the end you may reap both profit and pleasure thereof, for both are very largely comprised in it. Use it, we pray you, with like kindness as it is offered unto you, and take benefit of it without cavil, or over-curious reprehension; wherein as you shall do the Author himself but justice, and also make us his faithful true friends much beholding, so shall you happily encourage him thereby, to endeavour himself again to your further and greater benefit hereafter. From the Court, at Whitehall, the last of March. 1584.  


H. Mackwilliam.  
W. Fitzwilliams.     

The Art of riding defined, with notes of courage in a Horse, the using and abusing of an Horse, and what is justly called the hardness of a horses mouth, etc.  
Cap. 1.  
NOthing is reckoned more proper to man's nature, than the desire to know a truth, nor any thing counted more foul, or gross, than to err & be deceived. Seeing then that the thing purposed is for the knowledge of the true use of the hand in this Art of Riding and Horsemanship, which belongeth to the war and feats of arms; and that in reason, the substance of a part of any thing cannot well be understood without the knowledge of the very nature of the thing itself whereof it is part (as the use of the hand is but a part of the Art of Riding) I have thought good therefore First, to seek out what the very substance of the Art itself is, that thereby we may the better understand this part whereof we purpose to treat. And thus not meaning to hold you long, I will say forthwith mine opinion thereof, the rather to save the band, whereby I stand so far indebted unto you all, than that I think myself able to satisfy your skilful expectations, and so under the correction of diverse Noble and many other Gentlemen besides yourself, with a great number of others that at this day are grown to some excellency in this kind of Horssemanship, 
The definition.  I say (for my part) that the said kind of Riding is an Art to make an horse, for the service aforesaid, obedient to his Rider. In this short kind of speech (as I take it) the very whole substance of the said Art is fully contained, and therefore the words thereof are diligently to be weighed, but especially these here following: 
The parts of the definition which stand upon the essential causes.  as ART, an HORSE, a RIDER, and OBEDIENCE: which I mean for the better explaining of my conceit, to pass over with a short discourse.  
ART therefore is an observation of certain experiences tried & gathered together, 
The art is the cause efficient.  to be put in order, and taught to some good end. Three things are chiefly to be required in Art, that is: easiness, readiness, and perfectness. Art also is said to imitate nature.  
An HORSE is the matter and subject whereupon this Art worketh, 
The material cause.  and is a creature sensible, and therefore so far as he is moved to do any thing, he is thereunto moved by sense and feeling. Further, this is common to all sensible creatures, to shun all such things as annoy them, and to like all such things as do delight them.  
The instrument whereby this Art is wrought, 
The cause formal is the manner of teaching.  is the RIDER, a creature reasonable, and therefore aught to be able to render a reason of every thing that he teacheth, in making the horse obedient to his will, the which if he cannot do, he is to be suspected as one unskilful of the Art, and knoweth not what he doth.  
OBEDIENCE, 
The cause final is obedience.  is a ready willingness to do the will of him that doth command. But now by the way, though every Rider be a creature reasonable, yet every reasonable creature is not a Rider, but he which only is skilful in that Art.  
Finally, the pattern that Art should imitate, that excellent Philosopher and valiant captain XENOPHON in his book De re equestri doth very gallantly set forth in these words: Note when you see a Horse (saith he) make haste to meet with other horses, 
Notes of courage in a horse upon occasion of what objects.  that be in his view, or mares rather, and then shall you see how nature moveth him to show himself in his best form and lustiness of courage, yea, both terrible and beautiful to behold: for than he will set up his crest, bow in his head, prick up his ears, gather up his legs high and nimble, swell in his nostrils, and start out his tail, etc. This is now the pattern that the curious painter with all his skill doth diligently endeavour to imitate, but how much more should the skilful Rider do the same?  
Of these horses thus to be made, as XENOPHON also writeth, there be two kinds: the one, for the service aforesaid, the other for pomp and triumph, the which we call stirring horses, the use of which are very profitable for this service, because they teach a man to sit surely, comely, and strongly in his seat, which is no small help to him that must fight and serve on horseback: but of this last I mean not now to speak.  
Of service in the war or field on horseback, there be two kinds: the one in troops and companies, and those be likewise of two sorts, either in the main battle, or skirmish: the other, when men being singled by chance or of set purpose, meet & fight hand to hand, which is most proper to this Art. Here you see now in this short discourse, how nature hath ordered this matter. First, that Art must imitate her: next, that the horse in teaching must be maintained in lustiness of courage, and freshness of feeling, which is proper to him by nature: finally the Rider to make him obedient by reasonable means, which by nature is proper unto men: so as these two several bodies may seem in all their actions and motions to be as it were but one only body. Thus if nature be obeyed, and her order precisely kept, it cannot be but the end will have such success as we do desire.  
Contrary to these things herein thus shortly passed over, as namely Nature, Art, 
The three contraries to nature, Art, & reason, with their contrary effects.  and Reason: is violence, which nature abhorreth; error, which Art rejecteth; unruly passion of mind, which reason always withstandeth: and as they be contrary in nature, so be they also in working, and therefore must needs bring forth contrary effects, as we may see by those horses, that both without courage and comeliness are ridden, with raw noses, bloody mouths and sides, with their kerbed places galled, turning their bodies one way, & their heads another way, which things are brought to pass by the violent and unskilful use of the hand upon the chain, Cavezzan, musrol, and such like, which were first devised to save their mouths; and not to mar their noses and muzzles.  
For where the true order of riding is not rightly understood, 
Wherein the chief part of horssemanship consisteth.  and the true use or temper of the hand (wherein the chief part of this Art consisteth) is unknown, or else by overmuch impatience banished for the time, there the effects before rehearsed must needs follow. So that, when by those violent means they be brought to such pass, as they care neither for hand nor spur, for bit nor Cavezzan, then are there new devices of bits & musrolls, hard and sharp, for the amendment of these defaults, and so from one degree of violence unto another. And yet when all is done, and that they find by proof all their labour lost, than they complain of the horse, that he hangeth on the hand and craveth the spur, as though it were the horses fault by nature, and not the rider's ignorance by violence: which by those means hath so dulled and deadened the senses and feeling, as he feeleth little of pain, of pleasure nothing at all, and of a sensible creature is made a senseless block.  
Let not men be deceived (as for the most part they be) in taking one thing for an other, 
A paralogysme to make that the cause of a thing which is not the cause.  and that to be the cause of a thing, which is not the cause. As some take wine to be the cause of drunkenness, whereas (in deed) it is the untemperate desire of the drinker, & not the wine: and so is it the untemperate hand of the rider, who governeth with the rains the bit in the horse's mouth, that breedeth the dullness and hardness (as it is commonly called) and not the bit or the mouth of the horse. For (I pray you) tell me in reason, is not iron harder than the mouth of any horse in the world? I grant that there should be certain forms of bits devised for the remedy or correction of certain faults that may chance in a horses mouth. 
The use and abuse of certain bits for riding.  But if they be devised for continual correction, then be they violent, and the horse will never take pleasure in them. But if they be made to remedy a default, or to ease any grief, then is there Art & Reason used, & the effect of pleasure will follow thereof. But to conclude, to what end soever they be devised, the hand must guide them, which if it want the due measure in pressing or slacking, then will follow some evil effect, as in too slack bearing, the casting up & down of the head, and the unstaidness thereof, and in overpressing, the thrusting out of the tongue, with gaping and wrying of his neither jaw, 
What is justly called the hardness of the mouth.  & breeding of hardness in the gums, whereby such hard knobs do grow, as commonly are in the innerside of labouring men's hands, which in deed may justly be called the hardness of the mouth. But as these things happen by unskilful riders, and violent means by them used, so they seek to remedy their own defaults by more violent ways (as is before mentioned) until they ascend unto the highest degree of violence most horrible to nature, as by cutting those knobs, and their tongues out of their mouths, and also the grissels out of their nostrils, and thereby deserve the name of Butchers rather than of Riders.  
Now that I have in this short discourse comprehended the whole substance of the Art in general, there is next to be showed, how an horse may be brought to this perfection before mentioned by the true use of the hand, so far as the Art in that point will suffer or allow: and further to require were more of curiosity than of skill. For even the best Physicians do not always heal the patiented that is under their cure: neither is every patiented of one disposition, nor every scholar of like aptness to learn.   

A confirmation by other authors of this that hath already been set down.  
Cap. 2.  
But yet before we enter into this part, let us see (as we have purposed) what those excellent authors that writ of this Art have said thereof. And for the avoiding of tediousness, seeing they all agree in substance, not excluding any, yet make special choice of some, which I (for my part) would wish should not exceed the number of two, whereof the one should be Xenophon, which wrote thereof in ancient time about 300. years before the coming of Christ: and the other Gryson, which of late days hath done the like. 
Xenophon a great Philosopher & an excellenr Captain.  And that the rather, because this Xenophon was not only a great Philosopher, but also an excellent Captain, specially over the horsemen, as it should appear: so as no exception can be taken against such a one, as either for want of learning or experience may be objected, which commonlike there is at this day if any want either of them. And what that worthy Gentleman Fredrick Gryson was, every one knoweth, of nation an Italian (which nation hath long borne, and doth bear at this day the only praise of this noble exercise) and of the city of Naples most famous of all other in italy in this respect. What his judgement was in the said Art, may appear to all them that list to look upon the rules and precepts so perfectly set forth by him in writing. What his practice was in the said Art openly and daily in the said city, and what his praise was there amongst the rest of excellent Riders, yea even at that time when this Art was in his highest perfection, doth appear in that noble Carociolos writings, the Duke of Martinas brother, which he entituleth Gloria de caualli, whereof he wrote ten books, wherein he reckoneth up well-near a hundred as well Princes as Noblemen and Gentlemen: among the which Noblemen of that city, that were descended of the Senators, thus he writeth of Gryson, and of one Giovanni Berardino de la Castilia, in the latter end of the second of his said books, Tracostoro fioriscono, etc. which may be englished thus: 
Commendation of excellent horsemen.  Amongst these flourished Fredrick Gryson, and Giovan Berardino de la Castilia: of the which two in this noble exercise it may be said as Petrarch said of Tully and Maro; These be the eyes of our tongue. For besides the true knowledge of this Art, and the great practice they both had thereof, they with a most perfect judgement had this special grace given them, that every horse at the first riding seemed to obey unto them even at their beck, so as the standers by were astonished thereat: whereupon all other studious of this exercise would unto these two persons (as to the oracle of Apollo) very often resort, to be resolved in all their doubts. Upon these two therefore that have written of that Art, that is Xenophon and Gryson, I would wish all those that are desirous to have the true order and exercise of this Art, specially to stay themselves, and constantly to follow. Whose judgements in general (concerning the same) I mind to pass over shortly, and after to touch particularly the use of the hand.  
The gods (saith Xenophon) have granted this unto men, 
The means how to make an horse conceive the rider's meaning.  that one of them may instruct and teach another by speech; but no man can instruct and teach an horse by his speech: but if you will cherish and make much of him, when he hath done well and to your liking; & again, punish him when he resisteth and will not be obedient to your will, he will soon and easily learn to do those things which are required of him, according to your mind and liking. And this is spoken (saith he) in few words, but it ought diligently to be observed throughout the whole Art of Riding. For a horse will make the prouder avant and show of his doings, and better obey in all other things, when he hopeth to be made much of, and to have rest after he hath done and ended his travel. 
The heart of a horse, & the choleric humour in a man compared.  For (saith he again) the heart of a horse is like to the humour of choler in a man: so then as men are not easily provoked or stirred to anger, unto whom nothing is said or done that may vex them; so a horse will not lightly be moved, unto whom a man doth no harm or hurt.  
Therefore it is to be provided, that the Rider do not trouble or vex the horse (for we must know that all sudden things do move perturbation in horses.) And further he saith, We ought to abstain altogether from those things, which the most part of men do use in opinion for the best kind of riding, that is, to force them on the hand with the bit, and to torment them with spurs, rod, or whip: for by those means all things shall happen contrary to that which we desire, that is, to have him do all his things in his best courage, shape, and form, which will not be brought to pass by making him afraid with beating and spurring, driving him into great perturbations: for all such things happen unto those horses, to whom the riding is grievous and painful, and that to their great shame and lack, and not to their praise and commendation. In another place he saith: that the best way to teach (as it seemeth unto me) is to observe & hold that which I have often heretofore rehearsed, that is, 
The best way for a Rider to teach a horse.  that you remember to cherish your horse when he hath done well. For whatsoever a horse doth by compulsion and force, he neither knoweth what he doth, nor how to do it, neither will it become him, no more truly than a Player that should be driven with whipping to play his part bravely on the stage. For aswell the horse as the man deserveth worthily dispraise, rather than any praise or commendation, when they be driven thereunto by beating and strokes.  
Therefore we must with certain quiet signs provoke him to show himself lusty & comely in every part as much as he may: so as the profitablest way of teaching the Art of Riding is, not to deal rigorously or hastily: for anger forseeth nothing, and is the companion of repentance.  
But if your horse have been used to have been ridden quietly with a soft & gentle bit, & hath by such means learned all his lessons, and other doings, and can carry therewith his head and neck comely and decently, it shall be best that you trouble him with none other kind: for he will by this most easily and willingly do and perform those things wherewith he himself is chiefly delighted, and wherein he pleaseth himself most. And that he doth take pleasure in those things aforesaid, let this be a good witness and token thereof (saith he:) 
Xenophons' proof of the premises.  and thereupon he setteth down that shape and form that Art should imitate, as is before mentioned, and then concludeth thus: that He therefore, who can by this means and order of riding, bring an horse in all his doings and motions to show this form and shape which he himself doth express and represent, when he would seem and appear most beautiful, shall bring to pass, that both the horse shall take great pleasure of the riding, and also that he shall appear to the beholders very noble, terrible, and beautiful. Thus far Xenophon.  
Gryson in the 9 
gryson's judgement of the Art of riding.  page of his book & last edition, set forth Anno. 1571. upon the margin of the which this note is set down, Disciplina de caualli, delivereth his judgement in general of this Art, wherein (amongst other things) he noteth: that Such are not moved altogether without reason, which hold that a horse, being in Latin called Equus, took his name of the Latin word Aequum, or Aequalitas, which in English is Equal, or Iust. For thus he writeth: Et non in tutto fuor di ragione si muovono coloro, che tengono cheil Cavallo in lingua Latina prendesse il nome dalla equalita. o guistezza: and so goeth on and saith, that He ought to be just in pace, just in trot, in gallop, in carrier, in stop, in manage, in bounding, and finally, just of head, and just when he standeth still, and to unite himself just with the will of his Rider that sitteth upon him. And among all these things he commendeth the trot, & concludeth, that thereby all the other qualities may be best brought to perfection, and the head and neck to great staidness, the mouth to a sweet and perfect good stay, the which (to end withal) he counteth to be the very foundation of the whole Art: in the true teaching whereof if one fail, he marreth the horse utterly, and hideth all the goodness that nature hath given him. Whereas on the other side, if he be truly taught, it will supply many parts wherein nature may fail him. And in the 59 page the 7. line beginning Et perch, etc. 
Disorders used in riding to be avoided.  he writeth, that he is forced to note unto us that are desirous to fly the disorders that many do use, which by changing of hard & sharp bits, think they shall stay the head, or make the horse stop orderly, and do not see how thereby they make a jade of vile courage, or overmuch exasperated him: by the which grievous error it shall never be possible to bring him to any good perfection, but by good Art and true discipline, and with a pleasant bit, whereupon he may stay his mouth temperately with safety & assuredness, by bearing the hand temperate or firm upon the trot or gallop, and in time to cherish him when he doth well, and likewise to chastise him when he doth ill, he will be fully brought to all good, and conform himself to the will of his Rider.  
And in the 105. page, 
Ignorance the cause why none have attempted to write of the Art of riding.  where he treateth of these things more particularly, he affirmeth in the end, that the ignorance of these things hath been the cause, that none have ever attempted to write of this Art, and that he is certain that many will blame this that he hath set down, because it appeareth unto them that this manner of teaching should be false and untrue, being very strange and out of use, from all other which were and be now in the world. But all they which hereafter shall see what good effects do grow by this order of teaching, shall know the great goodness of the infinite grace that the heaven doth now yield them. And in the very last lines of his whole work he thus endeth, Questa é quelto arte, lafoy qual si segne da molti & e tanta la difficolta, che un solo sara colui, che all fui compitament arriuera all suo vero segno. Thus far in general I have not only set down mine own, but have also showed the judgement of these two authors to confirm the same, as I hope they do, and as it will further appear in their particular rules and precepts, which they give, in teaching how this justness and perfectness may be brought to pass: wherein we see already this to be received for a sound conclusion and ground, 
A sound principle or ground in the Art of riding.  that no forced or violent means are herein to be used: and also that this manner of riding is not usual, neither easy to be followed or found out, though it be set down in writing never so plain.  
For do we not see that in all other arts there is a beginning, a proceeding, and last of all the perfecting? 
Familiar examples for the better explaining of the Author's purpose.  As for example, in the art of writing, first, there is the learning of the letters, next the well joining of them together, and last, the continual exercise thereof to bring the hand easily and readily to write perfectly, as fair and well as the perfect example that was first set down. And do we not see also, that if there be a thousand Scholars, and all they have but one example given them, and by one way of one master taught, which when they have used to follow the same and none other, so long as it may be thought time for them to leave the school, and be able to teach others, that yet all they shall so differ in writing, as that their hands may easily be known one from the other, yea, and from the first example too. For marks are not set up, because that good marksmen can always hit them (for that is not possible) but he is counted the best Archer, that beateth continually nearest about it, and doth (for the most part) hit it more than any other, and that is possible enough.   

The true use of the hand upon the bit, and upon the Cavezzan, set down as it hath been found true by experience: and also of a fault in saddles which hinder the rider's hand in the directing of his horse.  
Cap. 3.  
ANd now seeing I am light upon this example, 
The true use of the hand upon the bit, etc.  which, in the chiefest point that belongeth thereunto, agreeth with the principal point of this exercise; that is, to the firm and stayed direction of the hand (of the which my purpose is chiefly to treat) my mind is now to consider of the particular rules and means the which have been given by these Authors in that point, for the perfecting of this cause in hand, wherein the true use as well of the hand upon the Cavezzan, as upon the bit, may be known, considering they be both under the government of the hand.  
And herein I mean to satisfy the special request of master Mackwilliam, as touching the Cavezzan, as far as my ability will serve. But of the mind of these authors I cannot say much thereto. 
Xenophon, though treating of the Art of riding, yet saith nothing of the Cavezzan.  For in Xenophon I find nothing at all written thereof: and in Gryson little or nothing to the purpose, as in divers places here alleged out of him one may perceive: as in the last line (save one) of the ninth page before recited, he first maketh mention thereof, saying; Come egli ander á sicüro, et solo in Cavezzana, senzache altro il tiri: and in the thirteenth page, whereas he treateth of making the horse to stop just: and also in the fourteenth, where he showeth what manner of bit he would have the horse wear first: and likewise in the sixteenth, when he would have the Cavezzan taken from him: and again in the 23. page the fourth line, wherein he warneth the rider when he mannageth the horse upon the half time, to take heed that he wry not his neck, but to help him skilfully with the Cavezzan: and so again for the said fault he maketh mention thereof in the latter end of the 79. page: and last of all in the 82. treating still of correction for the said fault, he concludeth thus; Cavaliero fondato in buona dottrina senza di ciolo togliera non solo di questo ma d'ogn' altro vitio, that is: that the Rider grounded in the right order of teaching, without it shall take away not only this fault from him, but every other whatsoever. 
Who is best grounded in the Art of riding.  And who is best grounded in this skill, he showeth in the 106. page, at the 33. line, beginning thus, Et vi fo noto, etc. I do you to know, that every one which shall know how to correct, to aid, and to cherish a horse, according as it behoveth him in time, may be called the most grounded in this skill. And a little after he saith thus, Ma par arrivare a tall virtu & in oqui sua bonta, dico, etc. But to come to such goodness and perfection, I say (saith Gryson) that even as the ship is guided by the steers man, by mean of a stern; so a horse should be governed, according as his stern is moved, which is the bridle, and the reins thereof, and that he termeth Il manico del timone, the handle of the stern, the which be holden in the left hand, and guided by reason and discourse, so as it behoveth that in all his motions and actions he answer to that motion which the hand moveth that holdeth the bridle. Now seeing then the ground of all the Art (as he often affirmeth) resteth wholly upon the true use and just government of the hand, let us of this most chief and necessary point therefore see, what these authors say thereunto. For in treating hereof will appear not only the true use of the hand upon the bit, but also upon the Cavezzan, and the whole secret also of this Art to them that with reasonable discourse and heedful diligence do consider thereof, and that done, I (for my part) will show the experience, with the profit that I have found by practising of them.  
And yet of one thing by the way, 
A fault in saddles hindering the right use of the hand in riding.  I must put you in remembrance, most contrary to the right use of the hand, and therefore in no wise to be used, and that is your new devised saddles of late, that have their pommels too much bending forward, with a buttress (as it were) underneath it of an handful thick and more, so as no man can draw his hand toward him low under the pommel to stop or govern the horse, as Gryson teacheth, Vicino all garrese, that is, near to the withers, but must of force keep it forward, and when he should stop his horse to heave it upward for to draw it to him, he cannot, unless he do it above the pommel, and in so doing may chance to knock his knuckles thereupon, except he keep his hand very much forward, which to do at the stop is against all reason: and beside, it is cause of many disgraces, as well to the rider, as to the horse himself: the which to show I mean not now to trouble you withal, and therefore to the matter purposed.   

The use of the hand upon the Cavezzan, more specially touched; and how diversly it is misused for want of skill, a lesson for young beginners in the Art of riding.  
Cap. 4.  
NOw to speak somewhat of the Cavezzan, 
The use of the hand upon the Cavezzan, etc.  though Gryson for his own part seemeth to make no great matter thereof, yet he alloweth that others should use it, when he maketh mention of the same in divers places (as I have before remembered) and exhorteth men to use it skilfully, as in the 23. page the third line, there treating of the manage with the half rest, he useth these words; Adiutamndolo maestrevolment conta Cavezzana, that is; To aid him skilfully with the Cavezzan. So as it appeareth in these words, that there is a skill or cunning in the use thereof, leaving it even so to the discretion of him that useth it, thinking peradventure, that those rules which he hath given for the use of the hand upon the bit, might serve also for the Cavezzan, to him that hath any reasonable discourse. So as (in mine opinion) if we would but consider the general ground very diligently, that is, that we do not so press the place whereon it lieth, with over hard a hand, as thereby the sense may be dulled, but so temperately used, as the feeling may always be fresh (the which I fear is smally considered of many that use it at this day, as far as I can see) we should see better effect follow thereof, than we see oftentimes there doth.  
I think therefore the best way to make men to understand the true use of the same, 
How the Cavezzan by divers is misused.  is first to let them know, how by divers it is misused: and that it is misused, whatgreater proof can there be more manifest, than to see how miserably the silly horses be tormented and mangled therewith about their noses, so as the skin and flesh is worn to the bones: and where it should lie flat by nature Come un mutton (as Gryson saith) like to the nose of a sheep, they by their violence make it arise in the middestlike to the beak of a hawk. How do we see their heads also set out of frame by reason of the misuse thereof, when the horse is taught to turn therewith: and (as Gryson noteth) to their great scorn that so teach them, in the 82. page of his book, whereas he speaketh of some horse, that hath been taught from the beginning unto the end, to turn with his nose and neck awry, saying thus; Per colpa del' caualiero non vi fu may provisto, tall che egli ha fatto il suo lacerto inar cato da una banda & dalto altra fermo & sano, & dimostrer à che vi sia nato di quel garbo torto. And thus in english: Through the fault of the rider not foreseeing at any time, how he hath made his horse his Lacert bowed on the one side, and firm on the other, 
The nature of a vermin in Italy, called Lacerto.  as though he had been foaled with that deformity. This word Lacerto is the name of a vermin or creeping worm, like to a Newght, with four feet, which in italy be common, and have this property by nature, never to look directly upon a man but always with his head awry. And this happeneth (as he affirmeth) for lack of taking heed of the use of the hand at the beginning, that guideth the Cavezzan. For even as by violent haling thereof, they mar the natural form of their noses, so by unskilful using of it, in teaching them the furrow turn (as some call it) they set their heads and necks awry, which is now commonly seen. For if a horse be turned on the one hand, you shall see him carry his head on the contrary side. 
Of what error the fault in a horse of holding his neck and head awry doth grow.  This vice groweth of this error, that when the horse doth not yield quickly to the motion made with the rain of the Cavezzan, to turn on that side his rider would have him, than he plucketh it harder and harder, and therewith peradventure his head yieldeth, but his body stirreth not at all. The Rider then perceiving that disorder, letteth that rain go, and because he shall not wry his head in that sort, he stayeth the rain on the contrary side, so as his head cannot follow his body, and by this use and custom of teaching, he is brought to the said fault and vice aforesaid.  
But the true use of the hand in this point is, 
How to handle a horse in teaching him the furrow turn and how that turn is made.  that when the horse is brought to the place where he must be taught this furrow turn (that is in a new deep ploughed ground, into a trodden path, between two furrows) and therein standeth straight and just with his body (as Gryson appointeth) move him gently to go forward, and in the very motion turn him first on the right hand thus: Draw the right rain fair and softly unto you, taking the same with your right hand low under the pommel of the saddle, well near half a foot towards the middle of the rain, whereunto if he yield never so little, then make much of him, and stay that hand with that rain, so as you neither draw it any further, nor slack it any thing at all: and with your left hand let the left rain slack, so far as his head may turn, and have liberty to go and follow his body, and no further.  
But if you perceive with that little yielding, 
What helps must be used in this kind of training.  his body moveth not with his head, then help him gently with your left leg, but let not your hand stir. If this will not serve, let his keeper, or some other that hath skill, be with you, that may fair and quietly come on his left side to his foreshoulder, and thrust him by little and little to cause him move the fore part of his body. But if the horses resistance be much, let him use his force, and thrust the horse from him as he seethe cause. Then in this mean time, let the rider also help him with the calf of his leg (as is before mentioned) striking him therewith as near the shoulder as he may, and to make that sound of the mouth or voice, that Xenophon speaketh of, which he calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and is made by putting the tip of ones tongue into the roof of his mouth, and smartly to lose it by opening thereof. But in all this time he must keep his hand firm and stayed, not slacking nor drawing the same by any means. And assoon as he shall perceive that the horse moveth the forepart of his body (be it never so little) let him stay and make much of him, but suffer him not to turn back again to the path, which peradventure he will offer to do, and in that manner bring his forepart about, until he come into the path again, so that his head stand where his hinder part stood, and there setting all his four feet right in the said path, let him stand with his head and body, as straight as you can devise, and so let him rest and make much of him, & see that both the reins be of equal length, and stand with him in that sort a pretty while, and that done, turn him on that hand still, in such order as before, until he be come about into the path, and that his head stand that way therein, as it stood at the first when he began to turn: and always when you offer him the turn, you must first put him forward, and in that very motion, draw the rain with your hand as before: thus as you have done with your right hand, so must you order your left hand also, when you turn him on the left side. Hear I have touched divers circumstances, without the which I could not well show that which is specially purposed, that was, the true use of the hand upon the Cavezzan, in teaching the horse to turn.  
But if you will have a perfect view of the misuse of the Cavezzan, 
A perfect view of the misuse of the Cavezzan.  then mark when a horse is ridden with the bit and Cavezzan together, and you shall see manifestly, and that specially when they be turned upon the left hand, the misuse thereof. For then the rider, having both the reins of the bridle, and the left rain of the Cavezzan, altogether in his left hand, thinking to help the horsve to turn on the left side, drawing all the reins toward the said side, with the which draft he draweth also the right rain of the bridle with the rest, supposing thereby to help the horse, and doth not perceive how therewith the cheek of the bit on the right side is so pulled up, as thereby the mouth of the bit doth so press the horse on that side, that his head cannot follow his body towards the left side that he is offered to turn upon, clean contrary to the order that he was taught, or aught to have been taught, when he was ridden only with the Cavezzan: for then having the right rain in the right hand, and the left rain in the left hand, they may be drawn on either side in reasonable manner.  
But I do not see how it is possible in reason to teach a horse to turn on both hands, and keep that form and shape that nature hath given him, holding the reins of the bridle with the reins of the Cavezzan in one hand. 
Lessons for young beginners in this Art or exercise.  And therefore I would wish that young beginners should not ride with the Cavezzan and bit together, but rather with a watering bit made like to a snaffle, and having the mouth of a cannon bit, so as he might hold the reins of the same, one with the one hand, and the other with the other: as he doth the reins of the Cavezzan, whose just and due place is to be borne low even with the point of the shoulders, and not above the mane of the horse, as one must carry them, if he will use them in one hand with the reins of the bridle. 
What must be done in riding a horse with bit and Cavezzan together.  But if they will needs ride with bit and Cavezzan together, then to avoid the fault before remembered, I think this the best way (in mine opinion.) Let them learn to change the reins of the bridle out of one hand into the other after this manner: when they turn the horse on the right side, let them draw the right rain of the Cavezzan low to the point of his shoulder, with the said hand as afore said, & then hold the reins of the bridle which you have in the left hand with the reins of the Cavezzan, right over the crest and the neck of the horse, so as you press his mouth nothing at all therewith. So likewise, when you turn him on the left side, change the reins of the bridle out of the left hand into the right, and then hold him with the right hand, even as you did before with the left, and use the left rain with your left hand, as you did also with your right. Admonishing you by the way, that in any wise in all your horses lessons whatsoever, you shun making of overmuch haste with him, for that is as great an error and oversight as a rider may commit, and doth as much hinder your horses profiting in that you would teach him as any one thing. So must you be likewise heedful to give your horse breath in all his doings. And thus much for the Gavezzan.   

The use of the hand upon the bit more specially declared; with divers circumstances incident to this discourse.  
Cap. 5.  
NOw to begin with Xenophon, 
The use of the hand upon the bit, etc.  as touching the right use of the hand upon the bit, after he hath spoken of divers kinds of bits wherewith he would have horses ridden, he endeth thus: What kind of bit so ever it be (saith he) with the same must he be made to perform all those things that be requisite, to show himself comely, and in such sort as we have prescribed. And therefore the horses mouth may not be so pressed therewith, that thereby he be put to despair of liberty, neither so easy or soft that he contemn or despise it. Now then, after you have somewhat pressed him with the bridle, so as he carrieth his neck well, then must you by and by ease your bridle hand, and make much of him, assoon as he showeth himself obedient unto you. Further he saith, that when you shall perceive, that the horse is delighted and hath a certain pride in the raising up of his neck, and that he is well pleased with the easing of the bridle, you must take heed lest any thing at that present be offered him, which beside may then vex and grieve him, as though you would drive him to a perpetual pain. But than you must win him with gentle and courteous dealing, whereby he may hope for rest and quietness: for by that means he will be more ready and willing to do whatsoever you will have him.  
In another place he willeth, 
How to stay a fierce and stubborn horse in riding.  that if you will stay a fierce and stubborn horse, you may not pull him with the bridle upon a sudden, but quietly and patiently pull it in by little and little, whereby you may allure and entice him, and not compel him by force to stay and stand still. Last of all he showeth, that gentle  
This place therefore is diligently to be noted, and heedily to be considered, and warily to be practised. But hitherto yet in these things, there hath been rather noted what should be done, than taught how they should be done. And therefore in the 44. page, he doth not only treat of the matter again, but teacheth also how it should be done, and saith; 
How to make an horse understand your meaning in actions incident to riding.  If you will know how to cause a horse not only to understand the bridle, or to make him go back thereupon, but also that he may go in a due measure and temper without bearing upon the hand, tenerete quest ordine, do you keep this order: Assoon as you have stayed your horse, draw with a stayed hand the bridle temperately, as his resistance, or he by defending his mouth shall require, not giving him any liberty at all, and with the rod strike him upon the bowing of his neck fair and gently, and so for a while provoke him with the spur from time to time, one while with the one, & an other while with the other: but most on that side where he most wrieth his buttock, to the end he may go just, with divers other means, as in those places you may see, until at least he draw back one of his forefeet, and doing but so much, by and by take heed that therewith you make much of him (as I have often told you, saith Gryson) and then stay him quietly a little while, and after assay again to do the like, drawing only the bridle. For the horse, by reason of the cherishing you gave him, shall understand you, and will go back both with the one and with the other forelegge, and that very light upon the hand. 
How to make an horse go as far as one would have him.  Also when you shall offer him that sign to touch him with half the rod upon the neck, you shall with a loud voice say, Back: for he, assoon as afterward he shall hear that manner of voice, and feel that sign of the rod, or if you do but draw a little the bridle, he will go as far back as one will have him, and ever when he shall be out of the due and true stay upon the bridle, you shall still make him to do the like, that is, to go back in form aforesaid. And to encourage all men to practise this rule, in the latter end thereof he writeth thus: Et non ●i desperate, se quando se gli insegna questo, facesse qual che disordine, perch all ultimo tanto maggiormente si trouera in meno spatio di un bora castigato, et vinto, et assai facile; which is to say in English: Do you not despair, though when you teach him this, he make some disorder; for by so much the more at the last, one shall find him in less space than an hour, chastised and won very easily. These places thus recited, because they be the principal places that I can find, that is, for this purpose, to have a horse to have a perfect good mouth, by mean of the true use of the hand: I mean, for the better keeping of them in remembrance, briefly to gather the whole effect of this that hath been said.  
Wherein first I would have one note the comparison of a bridle with the stern of a ship, 
What things the author would have noted touching the praemisses appertaining to this Art.  which is placed in the horses mouth, and fastened to the reins that are holden in the left hand, and likened also to the handle of the stern, which in his own tongue he calleth Il manico del timone: and must be guided by reason and discourse, and that all the horses motions and actions must be made to answer thereunto. And then more particularly Gryson saith, that we should make him know the bit, with a temperate and firm hand, and that done, to bear it upon a sweet stay, which he calleth Dolce appoggio: for thereupon he will wax very light upon the hand, and have a sweet mouth, champing the bit with great pleasure, for that is the point wherein consisteth (saith he) one of the greatest matters, and greatest substance to stay the head of the horse, and to settle it in his due place: and there in that manner, with all the circumstances as is before mentioned, to maintain him without giving him any liberty at all, as Gryson saith, though it seem otherwise to Xenophon. And then, how he may be taught to be brought to this, he hath set down the order very excellently and plainly.  
But herein note (above all) how warily he speaketh of the restraint of liberty upon the horses, yielding to the hand. 
What is to be done touching the restraint of liberty in an horse.  For there he putteth in a cave at (as it were) that the staidness or restraint of liberty should not be such, as it should exceed the due temperature of the hand: the true tokens of the which be; if the horse rain well; and bear his head just, stayed, and light thereupon, and take pleasure of the bit. These properties must join so together, as there may not want any one of them to what action so ever the horse is put. For if there do, then is there some imperfection, wheresoever it is. And therefore I say with Gryson again and again, that you may not think slightly thereof, that herein standeth chiefly the whole substance of the Art. But now, though he hath here plainly set down how it may be obtained, yet in practising the same, I fear we shall be very often to seek. For it is not enough, as it seemeth by Gryson, that when he doth go back upon the hand lightly, and settleth his head in his due place, and taketh pleasure upon his bit, unless he do the same also upon every other act when he shall be put thereunto. For commonly upon the stop, or when they stand still, they will be in good order: but if you move him forward, yea but upon the pace, he will perhaps leave playing with the bit, and bear somewhat upon the hand, or thrust out his head, and so likewise upon the trot, and more upon the gallop, but most of all upon the main career. 
A fault in riding, committed for want of knowledge how to maintain and continue the hand just, firm, etc.  For how many shall you see, yea even at these days, that in passing of the career holdeth his head in, and keepeth himself in that form that is before appointed? And this cometh for want of the knowledge how to maintain and continue the hand just and firm, with a sweet stay upon the horse (as is before remembered) in all his actions whatsoever, so as he may take pleasure of the bit. And therefore, how we shall maintain an horse, being once brought to know the hand, and in this sort before mentioned, that he in all his doings, whether they be done furiously or quietly, may keep himself in his due form and comeliness, and to take pleasure therein, is now to be considered, and last of all of Gryson required, and hath set down his opinion thereof (as you have read.) And for my part, although I may be as far to seek as any other: 
The authors long practise of certain rules appertaining to this art: as followeth.  yet for that I have precisely practised these rules these twenty years, I dare be the bolder to set down, in what manner I have practised the same, and how much I have profited thereby, which may stand for the explanation or interpretation of the places afore promised, leaving the judgement and choice of every one to do therein as he liketh. For as I have no power to bind any to like of mine, so I have good will to follow others, that will with reason in like manner give me like occasion to follow them.   

How these rules have been practised by this Author.  
Cap. 6.  
Such therefore as shall have desire to practise these rules, as I have done, let them not forget this, that Xenophon and Gryson agree both, that assoon as one is mounted on horseback, he must sit quietly there a while, especially if he be to be taught. Xenophon showeth the reason why: 
The inconveniences of sudden motions procured in a horse by the rider.  for (saith he) all sudden motions breed perturbations in the mind of an horse, and whiles he is in that case, he cannot well learn. For he is not assured of himself, nor of that which his rider would have him do, for (as we say) he is not himself that is troubled in mind. And therefore he willeth, when the horse is first moved, that it should be done as softly and quietly as one could devise, to what action so ever you mean to put him. And seeing that Gryson would, that all his doings should be done upon a stayed hand, a just, placed, and settled head, with a pleasant mouth upon the bit, which he accounteth to be the chief point and whole substance of horssemanship.  
Therefore I have been very precise in practising the making of his mouth to that effect, and to maintain him in the perfection thereof, the which if any will follow, he must (after he hath sitten quietly a while) first cause the horse to go back according to the order appointed. For upon that motion he will bring in his head, and settle himself (as is aforesaid) in every respect: and in that order then stand still a while, and make much of him: and in that mean while, if he continue not in the said order, then make him go a little back again (as before.) But if he continue still in the said good order and form, then move him fair and gently forward upon the pace, with the calves of your legs, keeping your hand stayed, so as you neither draw it, nor slack it, offering your body somewhat forward withal, and so go forth right in a straight path, between two furrows, so far as Gryson doth appoint. 
Defaults of disorder in an horse, and howto be remedied by the rider.  If by the way he make any disorder, by thrusting out of his head, or wax heavy upon the hand, or leave champing upon the bit, the which you must note diligently, assoon as you perceive it, by and by stay fair and gently, and make him go back as you did before. For in the going back he will bring himself in his right form and order, wherein as soon as you find him, make much of him, and move him forward forthwith fair and gently, and after this manner use him still, till he come to the place of stop. And as he must be used thus in going right forward, so likewise must he be used in treading of the rings, first gently upon the pace, and so likewise upon the trot, and last of all upon the gallop. And in the practising hereof, you must very precisely note these kinds of speeches: that in making of a horse to go back, 
A temperate, stayed, and firm hand required in making a horse retire or go back: and that many professed riders miss the due use thereof.  it should be done with a temperate, a stayed, and a firm hand. But what the temperate, stayed, and firm hand meaneth, and how it is understood and used of the most part that take upon them to profess this art, when they will at the beginning make their horses go back, I know not. But you shall see them draw the reins with a forced hand, rather than with a temperate hand, whereby they so press the horses mouth, that they put it clean out of order, which may be perceived either by gaping or thrusting his tongue upon the bit, to defend himself from the same, or else over the bit, chopping his head out suddenly, and plucking it in disdainfully, seeking by moving his head this way and that way, to be delivered of the said pressing: which be all signs of an untemperate hand, inclining to violence, and contrary to nature, which to content and please is the end of the whole art. And therefore one should practise this rule in such sort, as the standers by should scarce perceive whether he draweth the reins therewith or no, and that in this manner.  
First, 
A form of practising the former rule, and what things are well to be marked.  as soon as he is settled in the saddle (as aforesaid) let him not draw the reins of the bridle unto him, before he have made them equal, so that one be no longer than the other. And if it be a horse, that knoweth not well the bit, then let the bit be as slack as he can, and let him settle his left hand, wherein he holdeth the reins with his little finger between, under the pommel of the saddle, as near the withers as he can, so as he touch them not, and then with his right hand draw the reins fair and softly, and equally together through his left hand, the which he may never remove, until he feel that the horse begin to stay upon the bit: then let him hold the reins there, neither slacking them, nor drawing them any further, until he do look in what form his head standeth, the which if it be not in such due form as before is described, then let him give him his left hand again a little, and standing so with him a pretty while, let him bring his left hand to his former place again, whereas he found the horse to make his first stay upon the bit, and there if he stand without making any motion either with his mouth upon the bit, or with his head, which if you note well, you shall perceive that he will stand therewith (as it were) doubting, or in a mammering, whether he should put it out, or bring it in, as though he were troubled with the palsy, which you shall scarce perceive by the motion: then draw the reins with your right hand, through your left hand somewhat more, but let it be so little, and in such gentle sort, as the standers by may scarce perceive it; for so must all the motions of the hand be at that time, 
Motions of the rider's hand, in ruling the reins, etc.  if you will make the horse know the bit, and so keep it firm and stayed there a pretty while: whereupon if he yield any thing (be it never so little) unto your hand, keep your hand still at one stay, neither slacking it, nor drawing it any further, that he may feel the ease gotten by that his yielding, and upon his so yielding make much of him. And if with that yielding the reins fall slack, remove not your left hand, but draw the reins with your right hand through your left, as you did before, for they may not lie slack until he stay again upon your hand, whereunto if he do yield by any of those motions aforementioned, then make much of him, and so after this sort solicit him, until you have brought his head into his due place, that is, that his nose lie just under his forehead, neither too much out, nor too much in, but so as he may see where he may set his feet. When you have brought him to this, 
To make your horse offer to go back, with other actions.  if then he bear not light upon the hand, let his keeper or some other strike him fair and gently upon the knees of his forelegs, for that will make him offer to go back, and in that offering he will a little raise and bring in his head, in the which motion the bit will move, so as both he and you shall feel some ease thereof. But at that instant take great heed that you keep your hand so firm, that you neither slack it, nor in any wise draw it unto you, to the end that he may feel the ease that he found by the same motion, the which he will not with his good will lose again, and thereupon he will take such pleasure, as peradventure he will both stir the bit quietly in his mouth, and go back withal likewise, either of the which motions ought diligently to be noted, for they be tokens of the present winning of his mouth, the which once won in this order, you shall by continuance thereof bring it to be perfect and just.   

A continuation of the matter discoursed upon in the former chapter.  
Cap. 7.  
But above all things you must take heed, 
What is to be avoided in teaching a horse etc.  that in the present time of the teaching of him this, you vex not, nor trouble him with any other thing, nor that in this daily exercising of him hereunto, you suffer none other to ride him, until his mouth be made perfect, least by feeling the diversity of hands before he be assured of any one, he be so confused with the diversity, as he shall never be able to attain to a certain and sure conceit of the rider's meaning, and then shall he never willingly obey unto the will and meaning of his rider, 
The end of the whole art of riding is, that the horse do willingly obey his rider.  which is the end of the whole Art. And when by these means he is brought to know the just stay of his head, and assured of the bit, then to maintain him therein in all his doings, until he may come unto his full perfection, is first to place him in this form and order in rings that be large for one week at the least: and always when you find him out of order, stay him, and make him go back, as is before mentioned. And when he is in order, stay him not long, but making much of him, keep your hand firm, and put him fair and gently into his pace again; and than if he continue in his good order, with making much of him, move him quietly to go faster upon the pace, with giving him your body, and touching him softly with the calves of your legs: but neither slack nor draw your hand to you, for that is the firmness that is meant: and hast him so, until he fall into a trot of himself, & that he will do very light upon your hand, the which you must always keep in such temper, as was last remembered, unless by bringing in his head, the reins fall slack, for than they must be drawn with the right hand, as you have heard before. 
What is to be done to the horse when he continueth not light upon your hand in trot.  But if he do not upon the trot continue light upon your hand, then stay him, and cause him to go back, whereby you shall bring him in order, and that done, put him gently into his pace again, and so bring him into his trot as before. And though you find him in the beginning very untoward, yet within an hours exercising of him in this gentle manner, you shall find him toward enough, as by proof you shall perceive. 
divers ways to cherish your horse.  And then assoon as you shall find him so, cherish him with some little tickling, or some scratching with the end of your rod, or with your fingers upon the withers, or thereabouts in the neck, and travel him for that time but very little more, and so leave him, and alight off from him even there, and let him be lead home by some leading rain, rather than by the reins of the bridle or headstall (as many use to do) and at your next riding you shall find him better disposed; and by exercising of him thus but a fortnight together, you shall find (by experience) great good hope of your travel. And when he will in this quiet sort pace and troth in good order, then may you put him to troth with as much speed as you will have him, both the rings, or in any kind of manage. 
When to put your horse to the gallop, and what is to be observed in his speedy trot, and in his gallop.  But let him not gallop, until he be fully perfect upon the trot, and in his speedy trot you must keep your seat and hand firm, so as he may not lose his orderly and comely form before prescribed. But if you will put him to gallop, you must do it out of the trot, as you be taught to put him into the trot, out of the pace, and so to keep him in a quiet gallop in the large rings, even to the stop, at the which you must not draw your hand hastily to you, but even with a little sway of your body back, and your hand together. Stay your hand there till he come back a step or two, and there stay him, and let him not go forward; and there withal if he do well, make much of him, and let your hand with your body go to their place again. But if he offer to go forward, then with the like sway stay him, and so let him stand still a pretty while, making much of him, and then alight there, and let him be lead home, or else fair and softly place him home from thence after you have stayed there with him a good pretty while.  
But now, if you will be assured, 
How to be assured whether you have the right use and temper of the hand, and that the horse be well assured of the bit.  whether you have the right use and temper of the hand, and that the horse be well assured of the bit, place your horse overthwart the fallow of a new ploughed land that is deep, and of a light mould, as fast as you can, so that he trot not, half an hour together, and keep your hand in the firm and temperate stay, as is before prescribed. If in this time, and in your so doing, the horse keep his head in his due place, bear light upon your hand, and take pleasure of the bit: you may assure yourself that you have then obtained the right knowledge of the use of the hand, wherein the chief substance of this Art doth consist. By this exercise also, 
To bring a horse to a just trot is very hard.  you shall bring your horse to troth just, which Gryson thinketh to be the hardest thing to bring a horse unto, by the means of which (saith he) the horse shall come unto the perfection of all his other just doings.  
But my purpose is not to treat of any other thing at this time, 
The Author's purpose in this treatise.  but only of the right use of the hand, which hitherto hath been treated of, as concerning the teaching and making of a horse. And now we are to treat of the use of the hand upon a horse already taught, and fit for the service, wherein we have but the use of the left hand only: for the other must serve us for our weapon whatsoever it be. But least that some may think that Gryson and Xenophon for the use of the hand be of contrary minds (as it is somewhat touched before) I think good before I proceed any further in this, to show mine opinion of their difference. 
The contrary minds of Gryson & Xenophon touching the use of the hand, etc.   
Gryson affirmeth constantly, that upon the horses yielding unto the hand, we should give him no liberty at all, and that in divers places he affirmeth. And Xenophon clean contrary saith; that assoon as he bringeth in his head, and boweth in the neck, you should by and by slack and ease your hand. His words be these; The horses mouth may not be so pressed with the bit, that thereby he be put in despair of liberty, nor yet so easily and soft that he should contemn the same. Note well therefore the proportion of this measure: and so he goeth on & saith; When you have somewhat pressed him with the bridle, so as he carrieth his neck in good order, then must you by and by ease your bridle, & make much of him assoon as he showeth himself obedient unto you. And a little after; If the horse seem to be well pleased with the easing of your hand, and taketh a pride (as it were) in raising of his neck and crest, take heed then even at that present, lest any thing do vex or grieve him; but with gentle dealing he must be used as he may hope for rest. 
How the head and neck of a horse should be placed.  In the beginning of his book he showeth, how he would have the head and neck should be placed, not rising out of the breast inclining downward, as it is in a goat or hog; but rising upward toward the crown like a cock, somewhat bending in the midst, so as the eye of the horse may see his own feet. This is the sum of Xenophons' opinion. Now let us see what Gryson saith; to the end we may know wherein they agree and disagree, and whether the same be in word or meaning. For the placing of the head, and framing and fashioning of the neck they agree, and both they would have his head so placed, as he may see where to set his feet, and when he showeth himself obedient, to be much made of. 
What way is best to make a a horse understand when he doth well: and how Xenophon and Gryson differ in the manner thereof.  For the horse can no better way be made to understand when he doth well, than by ease and rest, and much making of, wherein he may take some pleasure. But in the manner how he should be made to understand this ease and much making of, standeth the diversity. For the one would have him understand it by slacking the hand, and the other (as it seemeth) would not have him have any liberty at all. For (saith he) when you have brought the head of the horse in his due place with those signs before remembered, give him then no liberty at all. But straightways he putteth (as it were) a caveat: Let the staidness be such, that it be not out of his due temperance. For thereupon he will take great pleasure, champing the bit, and be marvelous light upon the hand, etc. Now therefore if we consider Xenophons' proportion in slacking of the hand with gryson's restraint and caveat thereto added, we shall find that they differ nothing in meaning, howsoever they differ in words. 
The opinion of Xenophon and Gryson, seeming repugnant or different, reconciled.  For the slacking of the hand on the one side, and the straining thereof on the other side, should be such as the horse might find ease, and take pleasure thereof. For as there is no pleasure in overstraining, no more is there in overslacking: and therefore he that can find the just mean betwixt these two extremes, doth happen upon the true meaning of these two excellent persons, which (in mine opinion) differ not in meaning but in word. 
A reason drawn from the art of music, for the better explaining of the author's purpose.  As we perceive in the Art of music, upon instruments with strings, if any one string be strained or slacked more than his due measure, the pleasure of the whole music is lost: even so, the vntuned or untemperate hand doth mar the plesantness of the horses mouth; neither can any with reason think, that he which would have the string slacked when it is too much strained, neither the other which would have it strained when it is too slack, that they be contrary in meaning: seeing they both would, that the instrument should be so tuned, as the music might yield the pleasant effect. But see (I pray you) diligently, how nice and wary these two excellent persons be in this most skilful point of Horssemanship, without the true knowledge of which, all the rest in comparison is but vain.  
You see, they devise no hard or sharp bits, no pricking musrolles, or Cavezzans, or such other like instruments of violence, whereby the sense in continuance is either made dull or dead; but rather how they may delight and please them as nature and art requireth. But this mine interpretation of this place, and all the rest which I have used, by showing in what sort I have practised them, I leave to the judgement of others, and now go on with that which was purposed, that is, to show the right use of the hand upon horses that be already made perfect and just.   

The right use of the hand upon a horse already made perfect and just.  
Cap. 8.  
NOw then, 
What is to be done when a horse is perfected according to the Author's rules.  when a horse is thus taught and brought to perfection (as Gryson saith in the 107. page) we shall not need to use the rod or any other help, but to keep our body, hands, thighs, knees, and legs just in such sort as I have told you before, that is which is set forth in his own book. 
Mutual consent of the horse and the horseman by what means procured.  For the horse with every little token by aid of the bridle, and of the spur will understand your meaning: and in every act that you shall do, he will accompany you, and you shall accompany him in time and measure, so as to the beholders it shall appear, that he and you be one body, of one mind, and of one will. In this point therefore, first there is to be considered, how in the left hand the reins be placed, and how they are then to be used: for therein most chiefly standeth the whole government which Gryson likeneth to the handle of the stern that governeth the ship: and these reins (as he showeth in the 109. page, which he willeth to note, beginning at these words Notateche) must always be placed in this manner, 
M. Blundeviles rule for the holding of the reins.  which Master Blundevile hath remembered in the tenth chapter of his first book thus: As touching the reins, you must hold them in your left hand, so as the little singer, and ring finger too (if you will) may always be placed between the two reins, and the thumb close upon the reins, with the brawn thereof turned toward the pommel of the saddle, and being thus closed together in your fist, Gryson in the 39 page, beginning at Quando volterete, etc., showeth, how the fist must then be used, when you will turn your horse in whatsoever kind of manage it be, after this manner: Do not (saith he) remove your arm or hand, but keep it firm and stayed right over the crest or mane of the horse, and with a little sign or token given after a certain manner, by turning your fist only, make him to know on whatside you would have him turn, but yet so as your fist in any wise keep the appointed place right over the mane, neither removing it of the one side, nor the other, to the end he may go firm and just. Thus far Gryson.  
Master Claudio Corte, 
What manner of motion of the fist M. Claudio Corte requireth of the rider, when he should turn his horse on any fide.  in the second book of his Cavallarizzo, as he entituleth it, for the placing of the hand and the reins, agreeth fully with Gryson, but is somewhat more liberal in declaring the manner of the motion of the fist, when one should turn him of any side. For (saith he) if you will turn him on the right hand, then bow your fist, so as your thumb may turn down toward the mane of the horse, as thereby you may see the full back of your hand, with your little finger uppermost. And when you will turn him on the left hand, than contrariwise turn your fist so, as the thumb may go back from you toward the head of the horse, and that you may see all your fingers in the inside of your fist, so that your little finger and ring finger may appear more fully unto you than your thumb, but yet no more nor less than need shall require; but so as your hand remove very little from the appointed place, either of the one side of the neck or the other, and that according to every man's skill that useth it. But I know well (saith he) that very few have the true use of it. And here doubting (as it seemeth) whether his meaning should be understood in this point, addeth; 
M. Claudio Corte doubteth that his meaning will be understood but of a few.  And peradventure there be few that understand me (saith he) though I have set it down very plain. And so surely to doubt he had great reason. For truly I fear that to the most part this which hath hitherto been said of either of them, will seem but a riddle, and therefore had need of further explanation.  
There is no doubt, but that these excellent persons understood some grounded reason of this precept, if it had pleased them as well to have set down the reason as the rule: for that being known, the rule will easily be understood. Let us endeavour ourselves therefore to seek it out. 
The author's opinion gathered out of the very form of Grysons and Claudio's rule touching the turning of the fist, etc.  What mine opinion is thereof, and upon the which I rest, until I have others to persuade me otherwise, is this, which I gather out of the very form of the said rule, and that is of the placing of the hand and reins, and of the motion of the fist, as you have read before, as the hand not to remove from the crest of the horse, the little finger and the ring finger (if your will) be placed between the reins, etc. Gryson biddeth us turn our fist after a certain manner, but showeth not how. Claudio goeth further, and showeth how one should turn his fist, but no cause why he should so turn it: and therefore (in mine opinion) to make it plain, this I add unto it, and would have all men note, that when I find the fingers thus placed between the reins, and find also that the left rain lieth close, and remaineth in the inside of the fingers, and the right rain upon the outside of those fingers, this being well noted, you shall strait see the reason, why or to what end that motion of the fist that Claudio doth show, tendeth unto. For (saith he) when you will turn the horse on the right hand, turn your fist so as your thumb may go downward to the horses mane, that your little finger may rise up, on the outside of the which the right rain lieth, and by the reason of that motion is raised up, and the left falleth, 
By what accustomed signs the horse knoweth when his rider would have him turn on the right side and when on the left.  and therewith the horse feeleth the right rain straighted, and the left slacked, which he knoweth by custom to be the sign to have him turn on the right side. And so likewise when you would have him turn on the left hand, he turneth his fist so, that his thumb goeth back toward the neck of the horse, as he may see all his fingers in the inside of his hand. By the which motion he raiseth the left rain, which is in the inside of his hand, and the right also falleth, with the which the horse feeling himself never so little strained on the left side, knoweth by that sign, that he should turn on the left side.  
Now whether that this be the form and manner of turning of the hand that Gryson meaneth, I know not, but in effect certainly they mean all one, as I gather by Gryson in the 69. page, where he teacheth how one should correct a horse with the bit, that holdeth his neck awry, beginning thus, Oude similment, etc. If (saith Gryson) he hold it awry on the left side, hold your bridle in the wonted place, that is right over the crest, and take the right rain up with the forefinger of the bridle hand, the which rain you shall hold between the said finger and your thumb, and if you see cause, you may join your middle finger therewith also. But if it be too plying on the right side, and stiff on the left, then hold not only the little finger in his due place, between both the reins, but also the ring finger and middlemost too, so as on what side soever his fault be, by this means you shall force him by little and little, to yield unto that part of the neck that is stiff. What he meaneth by using the reins in this manner, for the correction of this fault, every child may conceive the reason. And hereupon I gather, 
How to signify on which side the rider would have his horse to turn.  that in what manner so ever he moveth his hand, to signify on which side he would have the horse to turn, it is by staying the rain on that side, and slacking it on the other, as I have showed before. And therefore (for mine own part) I use in practising thereof, to take part with them both, so far forth as I find it most handsome for my hand, as thus. When I turn him on the left hand, I use Claudio his motion, to bow my fist so as my thumb may go backward toward the horses head, whereby I raise the left rain that lieth in the inside of my little finger, by raising that part of my hand wherein that rain lieth: and when I turn him on the right side, than I take up the right rain with my forefinger (as Gryson teacheth in the place before recited, though it pertain not properly to this) and leave the turning of my fist as Claudio teacheth with my thumb down, and my little finger uppermost, on the outside whereof the right rain lieth, which I find oftentimes to slip from the place, but so I am sure the other way, if I take it with my forefinger or middle finger it cannot, and so unto me I find it more handsome. But yet I leave both these or any other to every person to use, as he findeth it most fittest for him: so that they serve not from these natural grounds, that the hand keep his appointed place, and that the motion thereof be such, as when one doth turn a horse on any side, he should stay or strain him with the rain on that side.  
And the lack of the knowledge in this point is the cause that maketh our horses forsake the tilt oftentimes: 
The cause why horses do oftentimes forsake the tilt.  for it is well near a common thing, that when a horse doth pass along the tilt, to see him carry his head rather from, than toward the same. The reason is, because he that passeth him, draweth his bridle hand toward the tilt, thinking thereby to cause the horse to yield his head and body toward the same, and doth not perceive, how by that motion of the hand, he straingeth the right rain which is on the right side of the horse, that is from the tilt, and slacketh the left rain next unto the tilt, so as the horse cannot for his life keep his head towards the same. And thus have I made this matter as plain as my skill or wit will serve, and as I have conceived it in mine opinion, the which I leave to the judgement of others. And herewithal yet one may see now how plain it is, when the reason is added to the rule. 
What the Author once purposed touching the books of Gryson and Xenophon treating of the Art of riding.  And in this manner was I once minded to have gone through the whole book of Gryson with very short notes, and to have added thereunto Xenophons' book of the Art of riding. But now I mean to stay, and expect what will be the judgement of this my first labour, and how it will be allowed among the skilful sort of them that profess this Art, to whose reasonable correction & favourable interpretation this work doth offer itself.   

¶ The commodities that may be found by the using of the hand in this manner, in practising of Gryson his rules and his order of teaching, be these.  
Cap. 9  
FIrst, 
Particular commodities possible to be attained by practising the rules and order set down by Gryson.  you shall never put your horse in danger of wind and limb, or other deformity of his body: in which if nature hath made any default, it may greatly be helped thereby.  
Next, your horse shall never put your person in peril by rearing or running away, if you have the said true use of the hand.  
Again, he shall never grieve his rider with heavy bearing upon his hand: but shall bear light, rain well, and keep his head steady, and have a perfect mouth, taking pleasure upon the bit, with a cheerful pace under him, unless he be too too dull of nature.  
Moreover, to bring these things to pass, you shall not need to bestow your money upon Cavezzans, chains, musrolles, or martingales, or any such instruments, but of a cannon bitten only with false reins, until he come to some towardness, and then to bitten him, as ye shall see cause.  
For these things aforesaid were devised by men of art, 
To what end, Cauezzan●, chains, musrolles, etc. were devised.  not for their own use, but for to train up young beginners, and to bring them thereby to the knowledge of the hand, their seat, and when, and how they should aid an horse, cherish and correct him before they would trust them to ride him with the bit only. And so Gryson affirmeth, Che ill caualiero fondato in buona doctrina senza di cio lo togliera non solo di questo ma d'ogn' altro vitio, that is, That the rider grounded in the right order of teaching without it (meaning the Cavezzan, or such like instruments) shall take away not only this fault (treating in that place of the fault which the horse committeth when he holdeth his head awry) from him, but also every other whatsoever.  
Finally, by this you shall know, to whom you may commit your horse safely and assuredly to be taught, thereby to have him in all his assays to serve your turn, and of whom you may be assured to find the contrary. For he that hath an horse, which by nature beareth heavy upon the hand (whereof there be but few if there be any at all) or be brought thereto for lack of skill in the rider (of which there be too many) and suffereth such an horse to go out of his hand unrecovered of the said fault, so as the horse do not all his actions upon a light and stayed hand, with pleasure and comeliness, and that with a cannon bitten only (as is aforesaid) he is not to be trusted with a horse of any value. 
Note without the knowledge of what point in the Art of riding all the rest in comparison is but vain.  For without the knowledge of this point of riding, all the rest in comparison is but vain. Neither shall any man ever be able without it to bring a horse to that lustiness of courage, and comeliness of shape, that Xenophon requireth in all his doings, which he himself doth represent and express, when he would appear most beautiful. But he that can (saith he) bring that to pass, shall cause not only the rider, but also the horse to take great pleasure in the riding, so as therein he shall appear very noble, terrible, and beautiful to behold; yea, and so delight the eyes of the beholders, with marveling thereat, that neither young nor old will be willing to departed so long as he is a riding. Thus saith Xenophon. 
The Author concludeth this treatise with Gryson.  Therefore with the last sentence of gryson's book, I conclude thus: Questa e quell'arte laqual si segne da molti, & e tanta la difficolta, che un solo sara colui che all fui compitament arriuera all suo vero segno.  
FINIS.   

¶ This discourse following of the Chain or Cavezzan, and likewise of the Trench & Martingale, is not the Author's work, but the experience of another Gentleman very skilful and long practised in the same Art, which he hath briefly written at the request of his inward friend.  
THe chain or Cavezzan, 
How the Cavezzan is to be carried in the rider's hands.  when a horse is come to were a cannon, would be carried in both hands in such sort, as the rider may always have power to command his horse. And therefore you are to carry the chain (at the first) lower than the pommel of the saddle, even, and somewhat short: for so shall you be ever ready to help your horse upon any occasion. But beware, that you do not hale, or hang upon the chain continually with a hard and cruel hand, for thereby you may make your horse so dull thereof, as he will not care for it. Wherefore (in mine opinion) to make a horse understand and know the chain, and to be light thereof, it were not amiss, to troth him out in some fair piece of ground, where you may have room enough to troth and stop at your will, & there troth your horse right out, a good long carrires length, and in his trot, carry the reins of the chain in your hands (as aforesaid) ever regarding your horses head, that he carry the same just, and in a good place, not more of the oneside than of the other, and high enough at the first, though he carry his nose out. But in any wise do not suffer him to sink with his head, or carry it downwards: 
A fowl fault in the horse to sink with his head, &c: and no less in the rider to suffer it.  for besides that it is a fowl fault in the horse to do it, it is no less in the rider to suffer it, if small and gentle helps and corrections may reform it: for (at the first) extreme corrections are not (in any wise) to be used, for they will do more harm than good.  
Therefore, let your hand upon the rain of the chain be ever ready, as you be trotting your horse to the place of stop, to give him a little nip or warning patiently, and at the same instant, put him forwards with your legs or voice gently, shaking your rod withal, to the end he may go frankly under you, keeping the rain of the chain still at one stay, unless you find in your discretion, he deserve to have some liberty, and so suffer him alwaines to go forwards at his own ease: but take heed, that the gripes and pinches, which you give your horse with the chain, make him not fearful to go forwards, or to offer to stop, before you come to the place where you intent to have him stop. Wherefore as you shall keep your chain in one place, and at one stay for a convenient time (as aforesaid) until he wax humble thereof, that by his yielding he may win his own ease, and keep his head where you would have it: so must you carry it with so temperate a hand, as you may rather seem to threaten with the chain, than to punish, that the horse be not made hard thereof, neither so slack, as he may contemn, or not care for the same.  
For avoiding whereof, 
A remedy for avoiding of the former fault.  you must ever take heed, to keep him sensible upon the chain, and light withal, so as by your discreet using thereof, he may know and understand your meaning, which through your diligence he will do in short time, if in trotting him, you observe the manner aforesaid: and coming to the place of stop, pull in the reins of the chain and bridle, but not cruelly, nor upon the sudden, but by a little forewarning of him, and presently with a more force, make his stop good, by pulling in your hands, and keeping them at one stay, putting forwards your legs a little, and bearing your body somewhat backward, until he hath made his stop (which would not be short) and, after a little pause or stay, retired thereupon with obedience (if there be cause to retire him) which when you perceive, keep your left hand upon the bridle steady, and make much of him with your right hand, wherein you carry the chain, & so place him after his stop, in a large compass at the first, once or twice about, upon the right hand, and so back again gently, to the place from whence you came, keeping your hand upon the chain steady, and then troth him to the place of stop, in the same manner as you did before (for it is good to use him for a time to one place of stop) still having an eye to his head, that he carry it in the same place that you would have him: which you shall make him do, by keeping your hand short upon the chain, & yet light withal, so as he look for smart, if he offer to carry his head otherwise than you would have him.  
Also, 
What is to be done if the horse in trotting carry not his body straight.  if your horse carry not his body straight in his trotting, but more on the one side, than on the other: then observe Grysons rule, set down in the fourth chapter of his second book of the Art of riding, where he willeth, that if your horse stop wrong, you make him go two or three yards further in the same path, and there stop him, holding the rain of the chain straighter on that side, whereon he most forceth your hand, than on the other. 
What is to be gathered upon gryson's words.  So we may gather by this, that Gryson would wish (at the first) we should forbear to reform our horse, either with heel or rod, when he stoppeth awry, and help him with the chain in this manner, as for example: If your horse in his trotting, will not go strait, but carry his head towards the left side, and his buttocks towards the right, then by pulling the rain of the chain on the right side, you shall make him yield his buttocks the contrary way, and go straight, if you carry such a temperate hand upon the chain, as the horse may be made obedient thereto with a fresh and sensible feeling thereof. And seeing that you must use the chain for the making of your horse just both of head & body, you ought to have this consideration, that your horse with great extremity be not (in any wise) made hard or dull thereof, as is aforesaid.  
Wherefore it were good sometimes to carry your horse upon the cannon only, and ease him upon the chain, taking heed of giving him too much liberty either of chain or cannon, other than by his humility and submission he shall get of himself, for you shall seldom give a horse any liberty, but he will seek more.  
Therefore as you have consideration of the chain, 
The nature and disposition of a horse is discreetly to be considered of the rider: note the horses of Sardinia & Corsica.  so must you be well advised of the nature and disposition of your horse. For Gryson saith, that the horses of Sardinia and Corsica are of a fierce and hot choleric complexion, and therefore those horses and such like, would be discreetly and patiently ridden; as a horse of a dull and slow metal would be frankly ridden with good life and spirit: and to such a horse (as is fiery) there would be little correction used either with spur or rod. For I hold it better, that the rider by his discreet and skilful foresight, should keep his horse from error, than correct him when he hath made a fault. For all corrections are unpleasant to a horse, yet sometime to be used: but then the rider must have a judgement to discern, whence the cause of his error proceedeth; whether it cometh of the malice and evil disposition of the horse, or for that he knoweth not the rider's mind, or (at his first breaking) hath been evil taught and handled, with such other like.  
And having respect to these things, you may the better use your discretion, so you take time, with a moderate patience: 
Follie of ignorant riders in correcting their horses.  I say a moderate patience, because I have seen some horses ridden without all order, so long, and with such extremity of spurs and rod, and for want of breath together, that they have committed fowl faults; for which faults they have (even at that present) by the rider been cruelly tormented. Which is none other thing, than to ride a horse without discretion, and after beat him without reason. So, he that findeth faults in his horse, and thinketh to reform him at once by the violence of his correction, doth none other, than make one fault to be yet many: where, if he would use patience, take time, and do it by little and little, he should perform more in one week, than otherwise in a month.  
So, mine opinion is, that our first care ought to be, that it be well, just, and in good order that we do: and afterwards to travel, that it be frankly, nimbly, and with good spirit and courage, both in the man and horse, whatsoever they shall do. And it shall not be amiss (by the way) to advise you, 
Note, as touching a horse, before he carry light of the hand, & be just and steady of head and body, etc.  that before your horse carry light of the hand, and be just and steady of head and body, both in his trot and gallop, and in all his other doings, so as he be both ready on the ground, and serviceable, you do not once put him to any thing above the ground. For when he is made firm and just upon the ground, you shall not so soon proffer him any thing above the ground, but he will very aptly, and readily learn the fame; advising you likewise, unless you have many horses, and of them find some one (above the rest) that is light and nimble, and apt for such exercise above the ground, that you should never put your horse to any other doings then on the ground (as is before mentioned) for many respects: which by experience you shall find very profitable, and were here superfluous to trouble you withal: because (in truth) in this discourse, I have but only sought to give you a taste of my own experience therein, to satisfy his request, who may command me. Wishing, that either time had served me, to have written more amply thereof, or that some other, more able than myself, may take encouragement hereby, to set it forth hereafter more exactly.  
The trench and martingale are not always to be used, nor yet with every horse, 
When, how, in what cases, and with what horses the trench and martingale are to be used.  but for reformation of some fault or vice, that either by nature, or otherwise by evil custom is grown in him, as principally, if he be hard of the chain and cannon, and humble not himself to your hand in his stop, as you would have him. Then put on the trench and martingale, which (at the first) should not be buckled too short in any wise, neither would the trench be used with any extremity or cruelty, but at the first, for six or seven days your horse used very courteously therewith, until he be well acquainted with the same: and then according to your own discretion, and as your horses disobedience shall move you, use the same more or less in his ordinary lessons. And when those faults be reform, for which you did use the trench and martingale, and your horse brought to such perfection therewith, as you may think he is made obedient, try him again with the chain and cannon temperately and discreetly. And then if you find him inclined or disposed to the same fault still, for which you used the trench and martingale, leave off only the chain again, and use this help: Put a musrol upon your horse, and buckle the same as you see cause, not too straight, but so as the horse may have liberty to play on the cannon, and put a pair of false reins to the cannon, and so ride him, unless you do see your horse disposed to be unsteddie with his head: for which fault, you may then buckle a martingale to the musrol, to keep him steady, taking heed you buckle it not too short, and exercise him diligently in his ordinary lessons in that sort; which by your good and discreet handling will serve to as good purpose for a time, as if you did use any of the other before mentioned, carrying the false reins in both your hands, to the end you may let him take pleasure upon the cannon: and sometimes (as occasion shall serve) carry him on the ordinary reins, and other sometimes on the false reins: and all is but to the end to make him go light of your hand, and take pleasure of the cannon. 
A chief & principal point of horssemanship.  For it is a chief & principal point of horssemanship to make your horse always carry light on the hand.  
Also on the other side, when you use the trench and martingale, if your horse be made too humble or slack upon your hand (as sometimes horses willbe with the sharpness and cruelty of the trench and hardness of the musrol) so as you cannot make him firm to your hand, you may put on a smooth trench, and more gentle musrol, and embolden him therewith, making him go forwards with all gentleness upon the trench: 
A caveat for the avoiding of extremity in correcting a horse.  but beware that in your exercising of him you use no extremity with your rod or spurs; for it will rather put fury into him than embolden him. Of which fault though I often admonish you in this discourse, let it not seem strange: for (in mine opinion) that Horsseman which neglecteth to use temperance, and to minister his correction with judgement and patience, or omitteth likewise to cherish his horse upon his well-doing, shall mar more horses, than he shall make ready or serviceable.  
FINIS.