THE HORSE. 21 



harmony of the animal's movements in this 

 walk. 



The French or cavalry trot (see page 203) 

 should never be ridden on the road by a woman, 

 as the movements of the horse in this gait 

 are so very rough that the most accomplished 

 rider cannot keep a firm, steady seat. The 

 body is jolted in a peculiar and very unpleasant 

 manner, occasioning a sense of fatigue that is 

 readily appreciated, though difficult to describe. 



The country jog-trot is another very fatigu- 

 ing gait, although farmers, who ride it a good 

 deal, state that " after one gets used to it, it is 

 not at all tiresome." But a lady's seat in the 

 saddle is so different from that of a gentleman's 

 that she can never ride this gait without exces- 

 sive fatigue. 



A rough racker or pacer will prove almost 

 as wearisome as the jog-trotter. Indeed, if she 

 wishes to gain any pleasure or benefit from 

 riding, a lady should never mount a horse that 

 is at all stiff or uneven in his movements, no 

 matter what may be his gait. 



The easiest of all gaits to ride, although the 

 most difficult to learn, is the English trot. This 

 is especially adapted to short persons, who can 

 ride it to perfection. A tall woman will be apt 

 to lean too far forward when rising in it, and 



