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the utmost steadiness, at the snaffle. Such is the perfect mouth; nor is 

 the Horse with a loose, or neck too much arched, and with a mouth 

 that cannot endure a moderate pull, without instantly star-gazing, Avell 

 adapted to any purpose but the parade. 



Hard pulling Horses are generally ridden upon the turf) with a check 

 cord rein upon the snaffle, which restrains them, without lifting up their 

 fore quarters, and inclining them to curvet, the common effect of the 

 curb. But in a trotting race, the curb is invariably used, indeed far the 

 best adapted, since speedy trotting is a contracted, not a longing pace, 

 and the form of going is with the knee up, and in constant opposition to 

 the stride, which is instantly fatal to the trot. The curb should, how- 

 ever, be the mildest, that the Horse may pull at it willingly, and without 

 the smallest sensation of pain. Indeed, mild curbs, but ahva5s double- 

 reined, and with a snaffle, are the best of all possible bridles, for well- 

 mouthed Horses, in every species of riding, the turf excepted; as are 

 the single curbs among the worst, and fittest to harden and spoil the 

 mouth. 



The common rising and falling in the stirrups, during the trot, must 

 be acquired by observation and practice, and whilst the true seat is pre- 

 served, the motion will appear easy and natural. Here again Mr. Adams 

 gives a truly practical rule, not to attempt rising, until it be indicated, 

 indeed prompted, by sufficient speed in the Horse, and to wait quietly 

 ujjon the seat, for that criterion. In the racing or swift trot, the jockey 

 stands upon his stirrups, and may work at the bridle, as in a gallopingrace. 

 The seat in both ought to be the same in essentials, excepting, perhaps, 

 that in the trot, the jockey Avill ride a hole or two longer. The same 

 seat precisely is used in hunting, the horseman in a short gallop, setting 

 upon his easy chair, and when the increased rate of speed requires it, 

 assuming the jockey-seat. In the canter we invariably set at our ease, 

 but whilst in that position, the true form of the seat ought to be pre- 

 served, but Avithout fatiguing the muscles by a forced and rigid grasp. 

 A thorough comprehension of its forms, in the first instance, and habi- 

 tual practice, will render the true seat that most conducive to ease. 



With respect to a comparison of the lucmege, or in the old style, 

 riding the great Horse, the English method, my sentiments, published 



2 D 2 some 



