l88 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



his pace should be gradually decreased 

 until it is as required. A sharp stop en- 

 tails considerable strain on the back ten- 

 dons and hocks, and if done too often 

 would be apt to make the horse throw 

 a curb. 



In going downhill, a walk is the gait 

 which should be taken, or the horse's 

 fore-legs will suffer. Should the ground 

 be uneven and rough, or covered with 

 rolling stones, the horse ought to be 

 permitted to walk. His head should 

 not be held too tightly, or he will be 

 unable to see where he is going, while 

 if the reins are slack he will appreciate 

 that he must pick his way, and then 

 will seldom put a foot wrong. 



It is most undesirable to canter where 

 there is a hard road ; nothing will more 

 quickly use up a horse than pounding 

 along, each stride laying the foundation 

 of windgalls and stiffness, if nothing 



