SWIMMING A HORSE. 249 



backwards, and the leathers to come out of the spring bars. 

 The horse may be allowed to take a zigzag course. When 

 going down a steep hill, the rider should keep a good hold of 

 the horse's head, so as to make him get his hind quarters 

 under him, grip tightly with the knees, draw the feet back, 



Fig. 204. Preparing to pick up an object off the ground. 



lean as far back as possible, and let the horse go straight 

 down, but not obliquely. If the animal happens to slip when 

 proceeding in the former manner, he will in all probability 

 merely let himself down on his hind quarters ; but if in the 

 latter, he may fall on his side and roll over. 



SWIMMING A HORSE. 

 The rider should take the feet out of the stirrups, leave 



