THE TROT. 213 



the reins must be gradually lengthened, to give 

 him more freedom. If he break into a gallop 

 when it is desired that he should trot, he must 

 be gradually reined in to a walk, and then be 

 started again upon a trot, and this course must 

 be repeated until he obeys, stopping him every 

 time he attempts to gallop, and then starting 

 the trot anew. If he trot too rapidly, he- must 

 be checked, by bracing the bridle-hand and 

 increasing the pull upon the reins. If the trot 

 be too slow, the hand must relax the reins a lit- 

 tle, and the horse be animated by the voice, and 

 by gentle taps with the whip. To regulate the 

 trot, to keep it smooth and harmonious, to rein 

 in the horse gently without rendering him un- 

 steady, and then gradually to yield the hand so 

 that he may move forward again in a regular 

 manner, are very difficult points for beginners 

 to accomplish while still keeping up the proper 

 support upon the bit, and will require study and 

 considerable practice. 



A horse should never be urged into a more 

 rapid trot than he can execute in an even, reg- 

 ular manner ; if compelled to exceed this, he 

 will break into a rough gallop, or into such an 

 irregular trot as will render it impossible for the 

 rider to time the rise. 



An accomplished horsewoman, when trotting 



