128 The Trot. 



the horse in his action, raises the rider from her 

 seat, she should advance her body, and rest a con- 

 siderable portion of her weight on the right knee ; 

 by means of which, and by bearing the left foot 

 on the stirrup, she may return to her former posi- 

 tion without being jerked ; the right knee and the 

 left foot, used in the same manner, will also aid 

 her in the rise. Particular attention must be paid 

 to the general position of the body while trotting : 

 in this pace, ordinary riders frequently rise to the 

 left, which is a very bad practice, and must posi- 

 tively be avoided. The lady should also take care 

 not to raise herself too high ; the closer she main- 

 tains her seat, consistently with her own comfort, 

 the better. 



The only proof, or rather the most certain sign 

 of a horse trotting well is, that when he is in his 

 trot, and the rider begins to press him a little, he 

 offers to gallop. 



As the rider improves, she will encourage her 

 horse to put his foot out freely, supporting his 

 forehand up, and his haunches under. For this 

 purpose, she must keep up a sufficient degree of 

 animation ; and the instant she perceives a languor, 

 which may be felt before any visible abatement in 

 the action takes place, she must throw in her ani- 



