22 RIDING. 



crupper ; but cruppers are always distressing 

 to the vertebrae, and never ornamental ; there- 

 fore they should be dispensed with when pos- 

 sible. 



RIDING. 



HOLDING MOUNTING USE OF BRIDLE- 

 REINS, STIRRUPS WALKING, CANTERING, 



GALLOPING, ETC. 



Riding on horseback has been termed 

 equilibrium, meaning an equal balance of the 

 person on the saddle, and implies uncertainty 

 and insecurity — " a pair of tongs placed on a 

 saddle", as was the " Pembroke system" — the 

 rider precariously trusting to his power of ba- 

 lancing himself. But by reducing a better 

 theory to practice, a skilful rider may sit a 

 horse with as firm a seat in the saddle as if 

 the rider had grown there. 



