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surcingle, provided with two grips and a snaffle bridle with check rein. 

 The snaffle reins are attached to the buckles of the surcingle and their 

 length regulates the position of the horses head. 



The horse is held by the teacher at the longe, a line of about 21 feet 

 in length and the pupil is now mounted or if possible, vaults upon the 

 horse's back. 



While standing still, a series of gymnastic exercises with body, 

 arms and legs, should be gone through, to make the pupil familiar with 

 his new position. 



The horse is then urged to walk by the sign of the teachers whip, 

 starting upon the right hand, that is to the right, and the same exer- 

 cises of body and limbs are executed. 



After a change from the right to the left and the repetition of the 

 gymnastics in the new direction, the horse is again made to change and 

 is now started at a very small trot, during the commencement of which 

 the pupil may be permitted to grasp the grips of the surcingle. The 

 same gymnastic exercises should be executed in a trot. 



The object of these lessons is to establish confidence in the pupil and 

 create perfect relaxation and balance, and grip should be entirely out 

 of the question. 



The speed of the horse therefore, should be carefully regulated, so 

 as to permit the maintenance of the seat without any exertion on the 

 part of the pupil and the lesson should be discontinued before the pupil 

 tires. 



When the performance in walk, slow and medium trot give entire 

 satisfaction, the horse should be started at a moderate galop and the 

 gymnastic exercises repeated in this gait, upon the right and left hand. 



The tossing of a ball and leaps over bars raised a little above the 

 ground, will assist in familiarizing the pupil with the actions of the 

 horse under various conditions. 



Vaulting, or leaping on and off the horse, while in motion, adds 

 greatly to the agility and fearlessness of the rider and the knowledge 

 of the same, f 1 equently proves to be of valuable assistance in practical 

 experience. 



THE MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



The horse is equipped -with the snaffle bridle and is saddled. The 

 pupil places the horse in the centre of the ring, straight upon all four 

 legs and perpendicularly to the wall, standing directly before and 

 facing the horse, while doing so and holding the snaffle reins closely by 

 the horses mouth, one in each hand. 



The next function to be performed is the examination of bridle and 

 saddle as to their condition and adjustment. 



Reins and headstall should be of sound condition and the snaffle bit 

 should rest against the corners of the mouth without gagging. 



The stirrup straps, billets and girths of the saddle, should be whole 

 and the latter lie smoothly around the horse, about the width of two 

 hands behind the elbow ; farther back, the girths would encircle the 



