66 



THE HOUSEMAN. 



rider should always put the shoulder of the horse in ad- 

 vance, by which he is to lead and turn the croup from 

 the track toward the centre of the circle ; draw the outer 

 rein (so as to confine the action of that shoulder), and 

 urge him forward with both legs or spurs — the outer leg 

 or spur pressed the harder. 



To strike the gallop from the walk or trot, the rider 

 should raise the bridle hand and carry it outwards, ap- 

 plying the legs or spurs as prescribed for the start. 



To turn the horse at right angles, or to change hands* 

 (being at a gallop) by crossing the circle, the rider 

 should, when within a few paces of the opposite side of 

 the track, raise the bridle hand and close the outer leg 

 (sinking a little in the saddle) to make the horse change 

 the step.f 



To stop the horse from the gallop, the rider should 

 draw the reins and prepare himself for the shock when 

 the horse's fore feet are about to touch the ground. 

 This is the proper time to halt, being the commencement 

 of the cadence, and immediately before the horse gathers 

 for another stride. 



In lessening the circle, the rider musf- use a very deli- 

 cate bridle hand and sustain the horse with the inner leg ; 

 but if, after this precaution, he should change step or 



* Galloping with the right side toward the centre of the cir- 

 cle, is termed to the right hand, and vice versa. 



■\ This should be practised upon a large circle at first, then 

 gradually diminished (as the rider and horse improve) until the 

 Uorse turns u'oon his own centre. 



