GRACEFUL RIDING. 57 



THE BRIDLE HAND. 



The motion of the lady's hand must be confined 

 to the wrist — as in pianoforte playing — the action 

 coming from it alone. 



By the management of the reins, in concert with 

 the yielding or retraction of the wrists, the horse is 

 guided in his paces. By this mode the sensibility 

 and goodness of his mouth is preserved ; the beauty 

 of his action is developed ; steadiness is combined 

 with security in his paces, and the safety of his 

 rider is secured. The degree of command, which 

 the animal can be placed under, entirely depends on 

 the degree of proficiency acquired in this branch. 



GUIDING. 



There are four motions requisite in guiding a 

 horse. 



To go forward. — Lengthen the reins, and give 

 the animal his liberty. For this purpose the lady's 

 hand must be guided by the action of her wrist, and, 

 at the same time, she must apply gently her whip. 

 Here, it is proper to remark, the lady's bridle, or 

 left, hand must never be left inactive, but, by prac- 

 tice, she must endeavour to understand the art of 

 feeling the horses mouth; should the bridle hand 



