30 HAND-BOOK FOR HORSEWOMEN, 



overcome all nervousness and stiffness, so that she 

 feels at home in the saddle, he should explain to her 

 the details of the position during motion, and should 

 insist that she correct her faults without help from 

 him, in order that she may learn the quicker to take 

 the initiative and be responsible for herself. 



Experience has shown me that it is easier for a 

 pupil to keep her shoulders on the same line, and sib 

 square, if she holds a rein in either hand ; therefore 

 I recommend this method. And I have also found 

 that to learn by heart the following rules produces 

 excellent results, especially in cases where ladies 

 really wish to study, and to improve any bad habits 

 into which they m.ay have fallen : 



The head straight, easy, turning upon the 

 shoulders in every direction, without involving 

 the body in its movement. 



If the head, being at the end of the spinal col- 

 umn, is stiff, this stiffness will be communicated to 

 all the upper part of the body ; if it can not turn 

 freely without making the shoulders turn also, the 

 stability of the seat will be impaired each time that 

 the head moves. 



The eyes fixed straight to the front, look- 

 ing between the horse's ears, and always in 

 the direction in which he is going. 



If the eyes are dropped, the head will tend to 

 droop forward, and little by little a habit of stooping 

 will be acquired, which will destroy the balance and 

 steadiness of the seat ; while, if the rider does not 



