38 The Art of Biding. 



body well erect, or slightly inclined backward. 

 With an inexperienced rider it is so natural to 

 bend forward the moment the horse begins to be 

 a little restive. The movement is an unconscious 

 one, and quite natural ; but it must be strenuously 

 fought against and overcome, for the moment the 

 body loses the correct position all power over the 

 horse is lost ; and the rider becomes the sport of 

 his movements. Whenever the hcrse shows signs 

 of impatience, or begins to caper about, sit firmly 

 into the saddle, w^ith the head erect, so as to be 

 ready to preserve the balance, should he turn 

 quickly to the right or left, or otherwise mis- 

 behave himself. 



It requires some experience in riding to sit 

 a horse well when he is very fresh or restive : but 

 a little reflection will convince us of the absolute 



