42 THE HORSEMAN. 



ways deranges the seat of the rider more or less, but it 

 can be recovered by a pressure of the thighs and calves 

 and a suppleness of the back. 



The rider's movements should harmonize with those of 

 the animal, and his position should be easy to himself and 

 the horse ; all of which are most calculated to ensure his 

 own safety, and gain a perfect command over the ani- 

 mal. 

 \ 



In short, the rider should rise, descend, advance, and 

 halt with, not after the horse. It is impossible to sit 

 carelessly and give the proper attention to the bridle 

 hand ; and with an inexperienced or ungraceful rider a 

 horse never appears to a good advantage. 



SECTION XIV. Effects of the Reins and Legs combined 



By slightly raising, and at the same time drawing the 

 bridle hand toward the body, and closing the legs, the 

 rider prepares the horse for any movement. It is called 

 gathering the horse, or, in other words, pushing him to 

 the bit. 



If the rider wishes to move forward after having gath- 

 ered the horse, he should lower the bridle hand and close 

 the legs behind the girths, or give spur (according to the 

 sensibility of the horse) until he obeys. After the horse 

 has obeyed, the rider must confine him to the pace he 

 wishes, by gradually raising and drawing the bridle hand 

 toward his body, and relaxing the pressure of the legs. 



