THE FLYING GALLOP, 247 



pliable, the shoulders being well back, and the 

 back curved in, so that the rider may keep her 

 balance, and control the horse's action. The 

 reins must be held separately, in the manner 

 described for holding the double bridle-reins 

 in both hands. The animal must be ridden and 

 supported by the snaffle-reins, the curb being 

 held ready to check him instantly should he 

 endeavor to obtain the mastery. The hands 

 must be held low, and about six or eight inches 

 apart, and the rider's body must lean back 

 somewhat. 



Leaning forward is a favorite trick of the 

 horse-jockey when riding a race, as it is sup- 

 posed to assist the horse, and also enable the 

 rider to raise himself on the stirrups ; but as 

 lady riders are not horse-jockeys, and are not 

 supposed to ride for a wager, but simply for the 

 enjoyment of an exhilarating exercise, it will 

 not be at all necessary for them to assume this 

 stooping posture. Many of the best horsemen, 

 when riding at full gallop in the hunting field, 

 or on the road, prefer to incline the body some- 

 what backward, this having been found the 

 safest as well as most graceful position for the 

 rider. 



As the horse moves rapidly forward, the rider, 

 while keeping a firm hand upon the snaffle-reins 



