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dropping instantly into the flili stop. The sudden stop at full speed, 

 either gallopping or trotting, should never be practised, indeed never 

 can, without danger, but by the military and managed Horse. There 

 is a kind of private manege, which may be practised between the rider 

 and his Horse, a^ hich is extremely pleasant, convenient, and conducive 

 to safety. It proves an every-day example of the extensive docility, and 

 strong powers of mind in the Horse, endowments, in truth, nothing short 

 of reason. Here is an ample field for the man who rides for exercise and 

 health : and let not such a rider say, that there is no variety or amuse- 

 ment in an exercise which may extend to perfecting his own horseman- 

 ship, and the mouth, paces, disposition, and condition, of his Horse; and 

 let the miserable victims of nervous debility, examine this important and 

 sadly neglected truth to the bottom; that had they millions to spare 

 for doctor's fees, the whole materia inedica would fail to procure them 

 that benefit, which they are sure to experience from the external air 

 and the Horse. 



To take a leap on horseback with safety, depends entirely on prac- 

 tice ; nevertheless, there are a few general rules, which should always be 

 present to the mind of the horseman. He must conquer fear, and at the 

 same time acquire circumspection. His eye must devour the objecis 

 before him, and not be closed, as I have actually known the eyes of 

 some riders to be, during a leap. However unpractised your Horse 

 may be, if you determine he should leap, the execution must be left 

 entirely to his discretion, and you must never check or pull him, holding 

 the bit perfectly light in his mouth, and giving his neck the most am- 

 ple liberty, unless, indeed on his landing on the other side, Avhen he 

 may need support. Hold your bridle-hand loose, grasp the Horse firm- 

 ly with your legs and thighs, the toe being up and outward, your back 

 inward, and your neck stead3% As the Horse rises, meet his crest with 

 your body, most carefully observing, not to bear on the bridle, which 

 might pull him backward. The instant his fore quarters descend, and 

 his hinder ascend, keep time with him in your appropriate, but oppo- 

 site motion, and throw your body sufficiently backward, to be found in 

 your seat at the conclusion of the leap. The leap depends on freedom 

 from all support of the bridle or stirrups; on the firm grasp of the legs 



and 



