184 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



the right and to the left, and rein him back ; 

 this last movement is a very important one, 

 with which few teachers strive to make their 

 pupils thoroughly acquainted. Reining back 

 will not only bring the horse under better com- 

 mand, but, with a lady's horse, a short reining 

 back from time to time will improve his style 

 of motion in his various gaits; besides which, 

 the rider may on some occasion be placed in a 

 situation in which, for her own safety, she will 

 be compelled to move her horse backward. 



To begin the walk : The pupil, having 

 placed herself in the saddle, must not allow her 

 horse to move until she is quite prepared, her 

 skirt adjusted, and the whip and reins properly 

 arranged in her hands. Then, drawing gently 

 upon the curb and snaffle reins, a little more 

 upon the former than upon the latter, and at 

 the same time gently pressing against the ani- 

 mal's side with her left leg, and against his right 

 side with the whip, as heretofore explained, she 

 will thus collect her horse, and start him upon 

 the walk. As soon as he has begun to move 

 forward, the pressure of the leg and whip must 

 cease, and the hand or hands must be held 

 steady on the snaffle, the curb no longer being 

 required, unless the animal flags in his move- 

 ments. The hold upon the snaffle must be only 



