The epitome of the whole art of husbandry comprising all necessary directions for the improvement of it ... : together with the gentlemans heroick exercise, discoursing of horses, their nature and use ... : to which is annexed by way of appendix, a new method of planting fruit trees and improving of an orchard / by J.B. Gent.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Capriole and Cornetti.

THe difference betwixt these two is, that the Capriole or Goats-leap is always in going forwards, and the Cornetti still in one place. These are to be learned & taught by one order, but neither of them wil be well learned, & therefore never exactly done, unless the Horse be very perfect to stop, which must be by much bending of the Elbow of the hinder Houghs, or Heels of the Horse. Now the Cornetti may in some sort resemble the dancing of a Bear at a stake; for when he danceth and pranceth up and down in one place, lifting his fore-feet even and just together, seeming to turn, if he might be suffered; which is never well done, unless the Horse be just and steddy of head and body, bowing the Hams of his hinder Legs, as if he would fit or slide on his But∣tocks. And the Capriole is in the same man∣ner, but still going forwards, seeming as though he would yark behind by advancing his Rump, but doth not; and as he doth it forwards, so will he do it backward and side∣long.

Now the Rider need not to teach his Horse either of these, until, as hath been said, he be

perfectly exercised in those Lessons formerly mentioned, because these Lessons are only learned by stopping and advancing; the which, if he have once perfectly, and have long practi∣sed, then trot him sundry days upon some hanging ground, and upon the Knole of the Hill on the same ground, make him to advance twice together at the end of the two paces, all the length of the Hill downwards, still remem∣bring to cherish him when he doth well, to give him breath, that all his performances may be done with delight. And if he be helped with the word saying, Hup, and by the Ri∣ders Rod, by striking him on the fore-part of the shoulder, he will go from stop to stop, ad∣vancing both the fore-feet and hinder Loyns, with time and measure, as often as the Rider pleases, and in such a just, even, and staid manner, as will be very pleasant to the Be∣holders.

Now because I would not have the young Rider to begin any Lesson, but by the dire∣ction of a perfect Master, and in that course to continue; so must the young Rider endeavour with himself to know the reason of all his Pra∣ctices, and therefore must be sure to be present at the Exercises of the most skilful Horsemen; & as Solomon saith, let his foot tread often upon their threshold. Let him be acquainted with the most expert Practitioners, and when he is

able rightly to judge and to make a true diffe∣rence betwixt good and bad; then let him practise as often as he can, and never doubt with good advice to become a perfect Horse∣man, so as to be able to teach whatsover is fit for a Horse to do, and a young Gentleman to know.