THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 67 



When he goes with the near fore, followed by the off hind, or 

 vice vei'st, he is " disunited." 



A point of vital importance to be looked to by the master is that 

 his pupil at her first attempt at cantering her horse is perfectly 

 •cool and self-possessed, and that she applies her aids smoothhj^ 

 Avithout hurry or excitement , for so great is the sympathy of the 

 horse in this respect, that flurry on the part of the rider is sure to 

 cause passionate, excited action in the horse. The manner of the 

 master has much to do with this ; while it should be such as to 

 keep his pupil and her horse vif and on their metal, he should be 

 careful not to crowd the former with too much instruction at once. 

 Her position should be corrected before she is allowed to strike her 

 horse off. Care should be taken that her arms are firm, and hands 

 well back. The waist should be bent slightly forward, which will 

 give it more suppleness. She should have a firm grip of the upper 

 crutches, both heels well down, and at her first effort she should 

 ride equally upon the snaffle and curb reins. To do this (assuming 

 that she is riding with her bridle in military form), it is only neces- 

 sary that she should draw up the slack of the near-side snaffle rein 

 with her right hand until it is level with and under the near-side 

 curb rein; then carry the snaffle' rein thus shortened over the middle 

 joint of the forefinger of the left hand, and shut the thumb firmly 

 on them. She can then place the slack of the off-side snaffle rein 

 for a moment under the left thumb, while she places the rein between 

 the third and little finger of the right hand, brings the rein through 

 the full of the hand over the middle joint of the forefinger, and 

 closes the thumb firmly on it. The whip should be held in the full 

 of the hand, the point downwards. 



With her hands and figure in the above-named forni, the lightest 

 appHcation of the aids ought to strike her horse off "true and 

 united ; " but if by any chance he takes off with the wrong leg or 

 ''disunited," as may sometimes happen with the best broken horse, 

 from a little over-eagerness or anxiety on the part of the pupil, or a 

 little unsteadiness of hand, the master should cause her to bring her 

 horse again to the walk, and reassure her — taking care, however, 

 •on these occasions that she never " makes much of" or caresses her 



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