80 The Seat and Balance. 



which the animal starts. In no case, let it be 

 remembered, should the rider endeavor to assist 

 herself in preserving her balance, by pulling at 

 the reins. 



To acquire the balance the practice on circles, 

 or what is called the longe, is recommended. 

 Here it is right to begin on large circles, and at 

 an easy gentle trot, by which the horse will be so 

 little bent, as scarcely to make a perceptible alter- 

 ation in the fundamental position; but as the 

 circles are contracted, and the pace extended, it 

 is necessary not only for the body to lean with the 

 horse, but likewise to bend or be turned in the 

 same direction as the horse's head, which, of course, 

 is a little within the circle. In doing this it is use- 

 ful to work equally to both hands. 



Experience proves that the body, if in the 

 manege seat and fundamental position, almost in- 

 voluntarily takes the corresponding motion, whether 

 the horse rears, springs forward, kicks, stumbles, &c. 



