PARK RIDING. 55 



your saddle, and when riding in the united seat 

 this is quite proper ; but in passaging, or when 

 your horse plunges, it nuist be avoided. You 

 must be well skilled in the use of all your aids, 

 that you may employ them as often and as effec- 

 tually as the occasion for their use arises. 



The calf of the leg will prevent your being 

 thrown over your horse's head, by the action of 

 kicking, and the muscles of the thigh will prevent 

 your falling off when the horse rears. If you are 

 riding on a horse of which you have no previous 

 knowledge, you must always remain prepared for 

 every emergency; and any vice or irregularity 

 which the horse may display must be smartly 

 followed by the proper corrections. Your weight 

 will always keep you in the saddle, with- 

 out requiring from you any exertion of strength. 



Take care that you understand every indica- 

 tion that your horse gives of impending mischief, 

 for if you mistake an intention to rear for an in- 

 tention to kick, your preparation for resistance 

 will not avail you. If you sit prepared for a 



