60 The Art of Hiding. 



lie may now begin to trot, still on a skin or 

 rug, and with the single snaffle rein. Now he 

 will find his difficulties begin, and will lose his 

 balance at almost every step, which he must exert 

 himself to recover as often as lost. Trotting is 

 undoubtedly the most difficult part of learning to 

 ride. When one can trot easily bare-backed 

 everything else in riding comes without much 

 trouble. Sit upright and let your steed bump 

 you up and down : this process is not a pleasant 

 or agreeable one; but what it lacks in this respect, 

 it more than compensates for in value; for nothing 

 is so effective in securing a firm seat as trotting 

 without saddle. Never mind about attending to 

 any of the graces of riding just yet; go on per- 

 severing with the trotting, without any attempt 

 at rising or keeping in harmony with motions of 

 the horse. Patience and perseverance will reward 



