The Trot. 127 



tomed to, their action is stiff, irregular, confined, 

 and unpleasant. 



It will be as well for her, at first, to trot in a 

 straight line: she may then work- in the large 

 circle, and proceed, gradually, through most of 

 the figures which she has performed in a walk. 

 To make the horse advance from a walk to a trot, 

 draw upwards the little finger of each hand (or 

 that of the left hand only, when the pupil has 

 advanced enough to hold the reins in one hand,) 

 and turn them towards the body ; an animation of 

 the leg or whip should accompany this motion. 

 The trot should be commenced moderately : if the 

 horse start off too rapidly, or increase the pace 

 beyond the rider's inclination, she must check him 

 by closing the hands firmly ; and, if that will not 

 suffice, by drawing the little fingers upwards and 

 towards the body. This must not be done by a 

 jerk, but delicately and gradually ; and, as soon 

 as the proper effect is produced, the reins are again 

 to be slackened. If the horse do not advance with 

 sufficient speed, or do not bring up his haunches 

 well, the animations used at starting him are to be 

 repeated. When the horse proceeds to the trot, 

 the lady must endeavor to preserve her balance, 

 steadiness and pliancy, as in the walk. The rise 

 in trotting is to be acquired by practice. When 



