THE TROT. 211 



far forward in order to accomplisli the rise more 

 easily. Another cause of awkwardness in the 

 rising trot is an improperly constructed sad- 

 dle. The seat or platform should be as nearly 

 level as a properly made saddle will permit. 

 When the front part or arch is much higher 

 than the seat, it will be difficult to use the 

 second pommel as a point of support for the 

 right knee; which support is highly essential 

 during the descent, in this trot. It is a com- 

 mon thing to see riders exaggerate the rise by 

 pressing hard upon the stirrup and supporting 

 themselves by the reins, thus rising higher 

 than necessary, and coming down with a heavy 

 thump upon the saddle ; to which equestrian 

 gymnastics they give the name of ^' English 

 trot." 



When rising and descending in the English 

 trot, the left leg, from knee to instep, must 

 be held perpendicular and steady; the foot, 

 from toe to heel, must rest horizontally in the 

 stirrup, and in a line with the horse's side. The 

 foot should not be allowed to turn out, nor the 

 leo; to swinge backward and forward : if the foot 

 be pointed out, this will tend to carry the body 

 and leg too much toward the left, on the rise ; 

 and, if the leg be allowed to swing, it will cause 

 the rider to lose the rhythm of the trot. Again, 



