CHAPTER VIII. Four-in-Hand. Starting—Pulling Up—Turning.

FOUR-IN-HAND. STARTING—PULLING UP—TURNING.

Then with the right hand pull out the off-side reins twelve to eighteen inches, and see that the splicing on the lead reins and the buckles of the couplings in the wheel reins are about the same distance from the left hand. The reins will then be about level when you are seated on the box.

To be able to start horses well is perhaps the most difficult thing which the young driver has to learn. The knack can only be acquired by experience, and no absolute rules can be laid down for his guidance, as no two teams are alike in temper and disposition.

Before starting have the rugs taken off quietly, not snatched off, and, as soon as you are ready, make the grooms stand well clear of the horses’ heads. Then start them as quietly as possible, devoting all your skill to getting the coach under weigh at once, without pulling at the horses’ heads, as nothing irritates horses so much, or is more apt to make them jib, than jerking their mouths, or having to pull up and start afresh. As soon as they are well started, you can bring your hand back a little and feel their mouths properly. Then if you find that the horses are not going straight you must re-adjust the reins as quickly as possible; this is a most difficult thing for a beginner to do neatly. It is a good plan to start with the near-wheel rein rather shorter than the off, as that is the most difficult rein to shorten in a hurry.

As soon as the horses are going straight take the right hand off the reins, at the same time keeping it close by ready for any emergency.

Should the horses be getting the better of you, and you find that you cannot stop them, it will be found a great assistance to place the right leg over all the four reins, as you may then be able to stop them by the extra power and leverage you gain by the position of the leg.

Having pulled up at the end of a stage, professional coachmen always throw the reins down with both hands outside the wheelers.

Unless there is at least twenty yards, remember to go very slowly; otherwise the [Sidenote: Coach may lock and upset.] coach may lock, and then nothing can save it from overturning except the breaking of the pole.

In any case great care must be taken to keep the wheelers well out and the leaders’ bars very slack. To do this it is well to put on the opposition point, and take a large loop in the leaders’ reins.

The wheelers must be brought round after the leaders, care being taken not to bring them round too quickly, so as to lock the fore-carriage. Turning to the left is done in a similar manner. With unsteady horses it is safer to take out the leaders, as they are apt to be hit by the bars, or come back on the pole.

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