i6o Modern Riding and Horse Education 



landing, and it is not so unnerving to the novice, but 

 it does not afford the same lesson in balance, as it 

 gives some support to the rider. As a rule any 

 horse will pull up when he gets his foot through 

 the reins, and if not he can be trained to do so. 

 The advantages of folding the arms in front of 

 the body are, that it is left perfectly free to conform 

 to the movements of the horse, and that the arms 

 cannot be used to maintain balance. It incidentally 

 develops the pupil's nerve and teaches him to keep 

 his arms and hands quiet. It is therefore best to be- 

 gin with the end of the rein held in the full of the 

 hand, and to pass on quickly to practice with arms 

 folded. 



As to what instructions the pupil should be given, 

 let him be told to grip tightly with his knees and 

 thighs, and to lean forward when going at the 

 fence; if he is successful in this the body will 

 soon swing in harmony with the horse. It will be 

 found that most beginners are inclined to lean back 

 when the horse takes off. 



When the pupil can sit over a small obstacle 

 without reins and stirrups he should be made to 

 jump the same thing with the reins before being 



