16 GRACEFUL RIDING. 



structed, and therefore possessing the knowledge how 

 such alterations should be made), would have saved 

 great danger and annoyance to the rider, and un- 

 necessary pain to the horse. 



When a Horse is kicking, the rider should 

 throw his body well back, raise the horse's head, 

 and apply the whip smartly over his shoulders. 



Reariug is very dangerous, and most difficult to 

 break. It is often caused by the bit being too sharp 

 for the horse, his mouth being tender, or perhaps 

 sore. 



When rearing, the whole weight of horse and 

 rider being thrown perpendicularly on the animal's 

 hind legs, the most trifling check from the rider's 

 hand would cause him to fall backwards ; the rider 

 must drop his hand as before, loosen the reins, and 

 throw his whole weight on his shoulders, at the 

 same time catching him 'round the neck with his 

 right hand. These directions will much assist in 

 bringing him down on his feet again, and pre- 

 vent the rider's body from falling backwards. 



Unsteadiness in mounting is very often the con- 

 sequence of the horse's eagerness and anxiety to 

 start. It is generally the fault with thorough-bred, 

 high-cou raged, young and nervous horses. It is 

 a most annoying fault, especially with elderly and 



