Others make a point of trying to attain the precision and poise they see in those who have the ability to choose from a great number of horses those with [...] qualities found in only a very small number of horses. This leads to a circumstance in which these imitators of such studied poise mortify the spirit of a noble horse, and remove from it all of the goodness of temperament Nature has given it.

A firm hand is one which holds the horse in full contact.

Others make a point of trying to attain the precision and poise they see in those who have the ability to choose from a great number of horses those with [...] qualities found in only a very small number of horses. This leads to a circumstance in which these imitators of such studied poise mortify the spirit of a noble horse, and remove from it all of the goodness of temperament Nature has given it.

In order to have a good hand, it must be light, gentle, and firm.

The knowledge of the nature of a horse is one of the first foundations of the art if riding it, and every horseman must make it his principal study.

A light hand is one which never feels the contact of the bit with the bars.

Above all, a horse should never be chastised out of foul mood or anger, but always with complete dispassion.