38 HOW TO RIDE 



be held close to the horse, so that the 

 action produced by the one may be 

 readily checked by the other. 



THE WALK AND THE TROT. 



It is not necessary, nor is it desirable, 

 that the tight grip of the thighs should 

 be maintained while at the walk. The 

 gait is so smooth that the weight and 

 the balance will serve to keep the rider in 

 his seat, and the knees being in position 

 the thighs may instantaneously take their 

 hold in case of a sudden start of the horse. 

 But this ease should never de2;enerate 

 into negligence, and as a horse is more apt 

 to stumble at a walk than at a quicker 



