The Canter. 131 



is to be pressed forward on the bit by an increased 

 animation of the leg and whip ; — the reins, at the 

 same time, being held more firmly, in order to re- 

 strain him from advancing too rapidly to bring his 

 haunches well under him ; for the support of which, 

 in this position, he will keep both his hind feet for 

 a moment on the ground, while he commences the 

 canter by raising his fore feet together. 



The canter is by far the most elegant and agree- 

 able of all the paces, when properly performed by 

 the horse and rider ; its perfection consists in its 

 union and animation, rather than its speed. It is 

 usual with learners who practise without a master, 

 to begin the canter previously to the trot ; but we 

 are supported by good authority in recommending, 

 that the lady should first practise the trot, as it is 

 certainly much better calculated to strengthen and 

 confirm her in the balance, seat, &c, than the 

 canter. 



The lady is advised at this stage of her progress, 

 to practise the paces, alternately, in the various 

 combinations of the figures we have described; 

 performing her aids with greater power and accu- 

 racy in turning and working in circles, when trot- 

 ting or cantering, than when walking. She should 

 also perfect herself in her aids, the correspon- 

 dence, and balance, by alternately increasing and 



