12 HORSEMANSHIP. 



ought to exist is shown by the elastic india-rubber 

 band. Procure an india-rubber band of the width and 

 length of the reins ; fasten both ends to a couch or 

 chair, about four or five inches apart, and hold them 

 as the bridle reins : the elasticity of the band is very 

 similar to the sensibility that subsists between the fine 

 hand of the good horseman, and the mouth of the well- 

 trained horse. 



The pressure of the legs must be an elastic feeling of 

 the muscles — not a dull and heavy clinging or kicking 

 of the limbs. In moving straight to the front, the 

 pressure of the legs is equal ; also the bearing upon 

 the mouth with both reins. To incline the horse to 

 the right, increase the bearing upon the right rein, 

 and the pressure with the left leg. The bearing upon 

 the right rein is made by turning up the little finger 

 towards the left shoulder; and the pressure by the 

 left leg is increased in order to prevent the horse 

 from throwing his hind quarters too much outwards or 

 to the left. 



In cavalry lessons the rider is ordered to make the 

 bearing upon the right rein by turning up the little 

 finger towards the right shoulder ; that is to say, by 

 moving the hand towards the right. Procure a piece 



