282 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. IX. 



affords the same support that the horse 

 requires. When the horse gathers himself 

 together, the reins would be slack if the hand 

 was not to return back again, and the horse 

 would not be able to bring his legs so close, 

 as by the assistance of the rider's support he 

 would be enabled to do. Therefore, as the 

 horse gathers himself, the hand must return, 

 yielding him that support which assists the 

 haunches coming forward. 



This skill of the rider is mostly displayed 

 at the running in. Over eagerness of the 

 rider, flurry, or the like, may sometimes take 

 place with young jockeys. Gentlemen who 

 choose to ride their own matches should be 

 collected at this time ; for, if it is a near 

 match, their winning or losing depends on the 

 riding. A steady support must be given, 

 which at this crisis must be neither more nor 

 less than the horse requires. 



The over doing or under doing is equally 

 detrimental. Were you to yield your hand 

 too much, you abandon your horse ; and if 



