3 86 RIDING 



LESSON XIX 



Supposing that the pupil has done fairly well all that has 

 yet been asked of him, this is the last lesson that need be given 

 him before putting on the bit ; so it would be as well to work 

 up thoroughly all that has been done in the previous lessons, 

 beginning with mounting and dismounting correctly, riding a 

 short time without stirrups, then a few turns and circles at a 

 walk and trot, going on to cantering to both hands, and rising 

 in the stirrup at a trot. He ought also by this time to be able 

 to make the change from one hand to the other at a canter by 

 the incline, and on arriving at the opposite side walk a step 

 or two, and apply the aids already given to canter to the other 

 hand. He may also increase his pace a little at a canter down 

 the long side of the school, taking care to collect the pace again 

 round the short end ; otherwise if the horse does not get the 

 necessary support, which the rider will probably not be able to 

 give him, he will very likely come down on his side. 



LESSON XX 



In beginning with the bit, the first thing is to explain to the 

 pupil the fitting and action of the bit and curb. In fitting the 

 bit, the mouthpiece should be placed one inch above the lower 

 tush in a horse's mouth, and two inches above the corner tooth 

 in a mare's ; it may be necessary with some horses to have the 

 bit higher or lower, but this is about the rule. The curb should 

 be placed quite flat and smooth, and should admit two fingers 

 between it and the horse's jaw. It should be explained that the 

 lower the bit is in the horse's mouth the more severe it be- 

 comes, so that it is safer for a beginner if it be rather too high 

 than too low. 



The pupil should mount on the bridoon in the same man- 

 ner as on the snaffle, leaving the bit reins loose on the horse's 

 neck, and then he must be instructed how to take up all four 

 reins. There are several ways of doing so, but the following 



