128 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



to break — namely, to get into a trot or canter — at a time 

 when it is your wish that he should walk, pull him gently 

 up and make him begin again. By adopting this method, 

 and preserving as strict a command over your own temper 

 as over the reins, you will soon teach almost any horse to 

 walk correctly. 



I believe that in no other pace can there be found such 

 true experience of the meaning of " light hands." This 

 admirable attribute — which, it must be confessed, is gene- 

 rally confined to women — signifies absolute control over 

 an animal with scarcely any display of force — a sort of 

 elastic touch, by which accomplished riders convey their 

 meaning to their mounts through the almost imperceptible 

 action of the bit, acted upon by the reins held lightly with 

 the fingers. This is a poor explanation, but it will do to 

 serve as a guide, until experience shall have taught you 

 far better than printed instructions ever can. 



I would have you remember that although a very perfect 

 walker may be permitted to go forward for a good space 

 with a loose rein, he should never, if tired, be allowed to do 

 so, for even one moment. Hold him with a firm, even hand, 

 keeping a judicious watch upon the bridle, and drawing 

 his head rather downward and toward his chest. By this 

 means he will be constrained to bring his hind legs well 

 and regularly under him. 



Young riders are often exceedingly incautious when 

 taking beaten horses home after a hunt, desiring to affect 

 the seemingly careless seat and equally unstudied handling 

 of the reins which are the prerogatives of finished horse- 



