ON HORSEMANSHIP. 255 



his fore-part, in order to leap, he fhould lean forward, 

 by which means the hinder-parts will be relieved, and 

 the man feel the fhock lefs forcibly; and in the mo- 

 ment that the horfe is coming to the ground, he fhould 

 throw his body back, by which means he will, in fome 

 degree, elude the violence of the motion, and prcferve 

 the juftnefs of his feat. 



When the horfe leaps over a ditch, or llretches up 

 a rifmg ground, it is a good pracT:ice for the rider to 

 take hold of the mane *, that the horfe may not have 

 the incumbrance of the bridle to ft,ruggle with, as well 

 as the difficulty of the ground. But when going down 

 a fteep or declivity, the man Ihould fling his body back, 

 and fupport the horfe with the bridle, to prevent him 

 from falling headlong down the hill. 



It is proper to exercife the horfe fometimes in one 

 place, fometimes in another, aod more at one time 

 than another -, by this he will not be fo apt to con- 

 ceive a diflike to his tafk, as he would, if he were al- 

 ways to be worked in the fame place, and for the fame 

 fpace of time. 



Since it is neceflary to be able to ride readily upon 

 all forts of ground, to have a fure and firm feat, and 



* Whatever notions the Greeks might have of this method, and al» 

 though it is prefcribed by Xenophon, it feems to be flatly againft truth 

 and the principles of the Jrt. For the bridle, inftead of being an in- 

 cumbrance to the horfe, will be of great afliftance, if feafonably and 

 judicioufly ufed; and by guiding and fupporting, will prevent him from 

 falling. 



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