MODERN RIDING. 



203 



up, to make your muscles firm, and to pre- 

 vent the spur from approaching too near the 

 horse. If you find it necessary, you may 

 turn your toes out a little to strengthen your 

 hold ; but if you have stirrups, bear no weight 

 in them. — Keep your hand in the centre, and 

 quite low ; and your reins not too short, but 

 just by the pressure of your fingers to feel 

 the horse's mouth. 



In this position you come to the bar. The 

 pressure of your legs and fingers will invite 

 the horse to rise ; and, as he rises the body 

 comes forward, and preserves its perpendicular. — 

 Be sure to keep the back in, and the head firm. 



As the horse springs from his hind legs, 

 you slip your buttock under you, and let your 

 body go freely back, keeping your hands down, 

 legs close, and body back, till the horse's hind 

 legs have come to the ground. 



Now we may explain the consequences of 

 omitting any of these precepts. 



