THE HORSEMAN. 



51 



The greatest precision and delicacy are requisite in the 

 application of the aids. If one leg is closer than the 

 other, the horse will throw his haunches out or in, which 

 will cause a shortening of the step in one of the hind 

 legs, and consequently the stride will be diminished and 

 the cadence lost. 



Section IV. — Stajps. 

 {See Plate XV.) 



In ordinary riding, the stop or halt is made gradually, 

 and without shock to the rider or horse. 



To stop a horse without injury to himself or the rider, 

 his haunches should be brought under him by closing the 

 legs, and the rein drawn firmly and steadily, and the rider 

 clinging or embracing the horse with his legs and throw- 

 ing himself somewhat in the cantle, without pressing in 

 the stirrups. 



If the rider can halt within a space of eight feet from 

 Qifull gallop, and maintain his position, it will show the 

 superiority of the bridle hand over the horse, and should 

 be termed the very acme of horsemanship.^ 



Were the rider to approach suddenly and unexpected- 

 ly the brink of a precipice, a gully, or any other obstacle, 

 he would then discover (perhaps too late) how indispen- 

 sably necessary it is, not only to be a scientific horse- 



* The accomplished horseman can, in a few trials, train his 

 horse to this perfection in the halt. 



