278 HOW TO RIDE A HOKSE. 



mps in the trot, nor leaning any weight on them in tLo 

 gallop ov canter, must be extremely distressing to the 

 horse." 



If the novice attempts riding hard, he should avoid 

 leaning back too much, as this, by throwing the weight 

 near to the horses coupling, must always be distressing 

 to him. The proper position is to incline a very little 

 backward, enough to bring the shoulders over the cantel 

 3f the saddle, or nearly so. 



In rising in the stirrups one should lean a little forward, 

 and the motion should be only enough to break the shock 

 of the horse's step. The feet should be carefully kept in 

 a line with the horse's sides, as close as possible to his 

 body, and the swaying motion which they are likely to 

 tiike should be avoided. One should be able lo ride in 

 this manner without the least support from the reins. In 

 slow trotting, as indeed in all slow riding, the reins may 

 be held together in the left hand, if the rider be acquaint- 

 ed with his horse, and is sure that he is not inclined to trip. 



The Gallop and Canter. — While the gallop and can- 

 ter are entirely different paces, the former being a succes- 

 sion of short leaps, and the latter a movement of the front 

 and hind legs successively, the transition from one to the 

 other is so gradual that it would be difficult to exactly fix 

 it, and the style of riding in both paces is very much the 

 snme. 



Tbe horse being light in hand, and the rider being easy, 

 yet secure, in his seat, it will only be necessary to observe 

 a few important directions, such as the following: 



Thu hand or hands, 'having a proper hold of the reins, 

 shi.uild be so held that the body is not twisted out of its 

 proper position; thnt i.s, supposing the reins be held togeth- 

 er in the left hand, the left shoulder should not be thrown 

 forward, but both shouldei's should be placed as neariy as 



