RIDING FOR BEGINNERS 



the right foot sticks out like a bowsprit on a 

 ship, generally forced to this attitude because the 

 saddle is too short ; the knee plays over the 

 right pommel instead of holding it exactly and 

 firmly in the angle for the same reason ; and be- 

 cause the pupil does not sit up, with hollowed 

 waist, as she should. If you have the true seat 

 you can without stirrups rise at the trot ; or 

 leap, etc., and be (unless the saddle chance to 

 turn) infinitely more secure than a man. 



You should proceed at a walk only for two or 

 three days ; and for only thirty minutes or so at 

 each time, during which practise lying flat down 

 on the horse's back, both when standing and 

 moving, bending far over to each side forward 

 and backward, gaining all the confidence possible. 

 When beginning to trot, ride " close seat " (that 

 is, do not rise) at least for a week, and pay great 

 attention to sitting square, hollowing the waist, 

 and inclining to the right (always be able to see 

 the horse's right foot). Never allow more than 

 the weight of the foot in the stirrup. 



When ready to learn to rise take the reins in 

 the left hand, the off-pommel in the right ; lean a 

 little forward from the waist ; when the horse gets 

 trotting steadily begin to count, or have a friend 



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