PARK RIDING. 77 



mg Aicay. 



In riding, as in everything else, it is better to 

 prevent accidents than to cure. When the rider 

 is carried off by his horse, if he preserves his self- 

 possession there is little danger of accident. 

 Immediately give him his head, and in a few 

 minutes he will be easily stopped by using the 

 curb. Do not lose your presence of mind, and 

 the only danger will be of your own making — be 

 cool and temperate. Some riders give a sudden 

 pull and stop the horse too quick, exposing them- 

 selves to the risk of going over his head. Be 

 careful to preserve your balance, always give the 

 horse his head, and endeavour to guide him, but 

 don't pull at first if in an awkward place ; he can 

 better take care of himself than you can take 

 care of him. Let him think you wish him 

 to go on, he will soon stop ; urge him forward if 

 the field is open before you. Some masters re- 

 sort to sawing the mouth, which is pulling each 

 rein alternately, and this will sometimes bring a 

 horse up in a few minutes ; and some reach the 



