THE HORSEMAN. 95 



should be observed, and the trigger pulled at the instant 

 the horse rises. . 



The surest direction to fire at the gallop is, to the front 

 and rear. The rider, however, can, with little practice, 

 fire with considerable accuracy to the right and left front, 

 or right and left rear. 



When firing at an object over the horse's left shoulder, 

 to the rear over his croup, or near on the ground at either 

 side, the arm should be extended. 



Before firing with ball-cartridge, the pistol should be 

 loaded with blank cartridge and a wet wad, which will 

 be sufficient to knock off a ball from a post at a distance 

 of three or four yards. 



Firing to the left rear may be done either over or under 

 the bridle arm : if under, the elbow should be slightly de- 

 tached from the body without affecting the position of 

 the bridle hand. 



As the rider will find it impracticable tp draw sabre, 

 after firing (being at a gallop), quick enough to take the 

 heads and rings in his course, he may, previous to draw- 

 ing pistol, place the sabre in the bridle hand diagonally 

 across the horse's neck, edge to the front, and point to 

 the left front, to enable him to grasp it immediately after 

 returning, or securing the pistol under the bridle arm. 



The rider, to perfect himself in this practice, should 

 gallop toward, and when within ten or fifteen paces of 

 the object, turn immediately to the right or left about 

 and fire at it over the horse's croup. (See Plate XXVII.) 

 Also to fire at an object in the leap. (See Plate XXVI.) 



