THE WALK. 195 



the rider in the proper balance. Should the 

 rider unfortunately incline her body backward, 

 and the horse rear, she would probably be un- 

 seated, and should she pull upon the reins in 

 order to sustain herself and keep her seat, the 

 animal would be drawn backward, and probably 

 fall upon her. 



In backing, the pull upon the reins must 

 never be made suddenly, but always gradually, 

 the hand rather soliciting than compelling. 

 When the reins are suddenly pulled upon, the 

 horse is very apt to get his hind-legs too far 

 forward under him, in which case it is impossi- 

 ble for him to move backward. 



In reining the horse directly backward, should 

 his croup move out of line to the right, the 

 pressure of the whip must be increased, or gen- 

 tle taps be given with it upon his right side 

 back of the saddle-flap, the hand at the same 

 time increasing the tension upon the right rein. 

 The taps of the whip must be very light, lest 

 the animal turn too much to the left. 



Should the croup swerve to the left, the rider 

 must press her left leg against her horse's side, 

 or give light taps with her left heel upon his 

 side, turning the point of the toe out, moving 

 the leg a little back, and slightly separating the 

 knee from the side of the saddle, in order to 



