146 ORDINARY RIDING. 



When we have succeeded in trotting for five minutes to 

 each hand without fatigue, and, above all things, without the 

 horse " breaking," we can make him go faster. We should, 

 however, avoid abruptly passing from the short cadenced trot 

 to the fast long trot, which would upset his balance, and would 

 unexpectedly throw a considerable weight on his shoulders. 

 At first we should increase the speed of the pace only towards 

 the end of a turn at the trot. During the last couple of turns 

 round the school, for example, we may act vigorously with 

 the legs, while taking only a slight support on the snaffle reins, 

 the action of which should be limited simply to keeping the 

 head in place. 



By practising these exercises we shall succeed in making 

 the horse do all he can at the trot, as regards high action 

 and speed. 



Above all things, we ought to avoid trying to make the 

 horse trot faster than he can do ; for such an attempt will 

 probably teach him the false and ugly gait of trotting in 

 front and cantering behind. 



There are two ways of riding at the trot, namely, the 

 French (bumping in the saddle) and English (rising in the 

 saddle). The former is of no practical use, although it is 

 an absolutely indispensable school exercise,* for giving a 

 good seat to beginners when they trot without stirrups ; but 

 I disapprove of it for all other purposes. It is fatiguing to 

 the rider, and still more to the horse. I cannot understand 

 why it has been used for such a long time in the army. 



When we rise at the trot there are neither jerks nor re- 

 actions. The rider should have his loins slightly bent, and 

 consequently the upper part of his body should be inclined a 

 little forward. He should not try by rising to follow or to 

 anticipate the movements of the horse, but should let himself 

 be raised. His ankle joints and knees acting together will 



* It is the foundation of all good riding. Without it there would be no seat. 



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