278 HOW TO RIDE A HOESE. 



nips in tlie trot, nor leaning any weight on them in the 

 gallop or canter, must be extremelj^ distressing to the 

 horse." 



If the novice attempts riding hard, he should avoid 

 leaning back too much, as this, bj throwing the weight 

 near to the horses coupling, must always be distressing 

 to him. The proper position is to incline a very little 

 backward, enough to bring the shoulders over the cantel 

 of the saddle, or nearly so. 



In rising in the stirrups one should lean a little forward, 

 and the motion should be only enough to break the shock 

 of the horse's step. The feet should be carefully kept in 

 a line with the horse's sides, as close as j^ossible to his 

 body, and the swajnng motion which they are likely to 

 take should be avoided. One should be able to ride in 

 this manner without the least support from the reins. In 

 slow trotting, as indeed in all slow riding, the reins may 

 be held together in the left hand, if the rider be acquaint- 

 ed with his horse, and is sure that he is not inclined to trip. 



The Gallop and Canter. — While the gallop and can- 

 ter are entirely different paces, the former being a succes- 

 vsion of short leaps, and the latter a movement of the front 

 and hind legs successively, the ti"ansition from one to the 

 other is so gradual that it would be difficult to exactly fix 

 it, and the style of riding in both paces is very much the 

 same. 



The horse being light in hand, and the rider being eas}-, 

 yet secure, in his seat, it will only be necessary to observe 

 a few important directions, such as the- following : 



The hand or hands, having a proper hold of the reins, 

 should be so held that the body is not twisted out of its 

 proper position ; that is, supposing the reins be held togeth- 

 er in the left hand, the left shoulder should not be thrown 

 forward, but both shoulders should be placed as nearly as 



