RIDING HORSE 



the saddle. The body should be kept perfectly upright, 

 the thighs grasping the sides of, and the knees firmly pressed 

 against, the saddle. As a skilful rider controls the move- 

 ments of his horse to a very considerable extent by the 

 pressure of his legs against the sides of the animal it is 

 necessary that the novice should secure his proper balance 

 as soon as possible, else he will lose a good deal of power 

 over his mount. 



A great deal depends upon the action of the horse when 

 the rider commences to proceed at a faster pace than the 

 trot. A short, scrappy mover will jolt a beginner terribly 

 and cause him much difficulty when he attempts to rise in 

 his stirrups as his horse brings his off fore-leg on the ground. 

 The canter is a far easier gait for the rider, but experience 

 and practice will enable any person of fair nerve to overcome 

 his difficulties. It is far easier to keep one's seat gracefully 

 when a horse is being sent from a walk to a trot or canter 

 than when the process is reversed, especially if he pulls up 

 suddenly, as he is pretty certain to do if his reins are tightened 

 too quickly or sharply. In changing from the walk to the 

 trot the reins should be slightly tightened and the horse 

 encouraged to proceed by increased pressure of the knees ; 

 whilst if he is required to canter his off rein should be 

 tightened and the left knee of the rider pressed into his side 

 so that he will lead off with the off fore-leg, as is usually 

 desired ; whilst the act may be reversed if it is wished that 

 he should lead off with the near fore-leg. In dismounting, 

 after the right foot is taken out of the stirrup the mane 

 should be grasped with the left hand, and then the process of 

 mounting should be reversed. (See Bitting, Canter, Mouth, 

 Saddle, Trot?) 



Riding Horse. — A riding horse for country work need 

 not possess all the quality of a park hack, but he must 

 possess long, sloping shoulders else his action will be rough, 

 and if his neck is short and head is heavy he will not be so 

 pleasant to ride or easy to keep from stumbling as if the 



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