HORSEBACK RIDING 



road it is at times desirable to al- 

 low the horse's head to drop and 

 the whole muscular system of the 

 horse's body to become relaxed. 

 He must be ready instantly, how- 

 ever, to regain his firmness in 

 case of a fallen step. 



The rider can help the horse 

 even in w^alking. It is advisable 

 aWays to have a fairly firm grasp 

 upon the reins and if the horse 

 should happen to stumble, the 

 rider can assist in the recovery by 

 quickly drawing them in. 



In changing gaits, usually the 

 start is made from the w^alk, al- 

 though a horse ought to respond 

 to any gait to which the rider 

 desires to change. 



In going from a wralk to a trot, 

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