62 THE HORSEMAN. 



man, but to have his horse trained, and at once obedient 

 to the bridle hand under all circumstances and in every 

 emergency. 



SECTION V. To Back the Horse. 



In backing, there are two distinct beats of the feet : 

 the horse raises and steps, first the left or near hind leg 

 and the right or off fore leg at the same time ; next, the 

 right or off hind leg and the left or near fore leg. This 

 order is reversed if the right or off hind leg begins the 

 movement. 



For a horse to back properly, he should be upon his 

 haunches, have one of his hind legs always under him, on 

 which to rest and balance, and to impel or push him- 

 self backwards ; his head steady, and his legs well gath- 

 ered. 



To aid and assist the horse in this movement, the rider 

 should incline the body slightly forward, hold the hand 

 a little lower than usual, the reins equally and steadily, 

 and yield and check instead of making a dead pull. 



To prevent the horse from swerving, the rider should 

 press the legs gently to the sides in rear of the girth. 



If he throws the croup to the right, close the right leg 

 or spur ; if to the left, the left leg or spur.* 



* The reader will bear in mind that the bridle hand causes 

 and compels the action, and the heels or spurs direct it. 



