GIRLS ON HORSEBACK 23 



independently of the reins. Intuitive 



knowledge of the horse's inten- 

 Hands 



tions, sympathy and communi- 

 cation with him, which are conveyed 

 through the reins in a manner too sub- 

 tle for explanation, must accompany 

 light hands to make them perfect. Such 

 qualities are absolutely impossible with 

 heavy hands, which are incapable of the 

 necessary delicate manipulation of the 

 horse's mouth. Light hands, therefore, 

 should be cultivated first, and experi- 

 ence may bring the rest. A child, be- 

 ginning as I have advised, will early 

 have this instilled into her mind, and 

 not be obliged to overcome heavy 

 hands when from experience she has 

 learned their disadvantages. 



After sitting close to the trot and the 

 canter, the beginner must be told to rise 

 to the trot. At first she will find it dif- 

 ficult to make her effort correspond to 



