Part 4 (1/2)

They should hang _perfectly_ independent of the body, from the shoulders near the sides, _yet quite_ free from having a constrained appearance.

THE LEGS.

The right leg from the hip to the knee should be kept down in the saddle, and, as much as the rider possibly can, without moving. The lady will materially a.s.sist herself in this object by drawing _the heel backwards_. The left leg must hang steady, _yet_ not, by any means, rest its weight in the stirrup, for in consequence of the muscles of the leg being round, the foot will naturally turn outward, thus causing a wavering, tottering seat, inclining the body too much out of balance, and giving a disunited motion to the horse, and an ungraceful and deformed appearance to the rider. To prevent this, the knee must be kept firmly pressed to the saddle; and, as before remarked, by depressing the heel, the toe will be naturally turned in.

THE STIRRUP.

The position of the foot in the stirrup is of great importance; upon it depends much; keeping the correct balance of the body on the horse, which consists in sitting perfectly square and erect, and preserving a steady position in the saddle. In fitting the stirrup the lady ought to have her length correctly arranged, which is done in the following manner:--The stirrup leg must hang quite free from the hip-joint, the knee being slightly bent, with the toes raised and turned in towards the horse's side. Keep the foot fixed as immovable as possible in the stirrup, allowing the pressure alone to come from the toes to the bridge of the foot, which will have the effect of giving the elasticity and regularity of movement required in the horse's quickened paces.

The _length_ of the stirrup must be made a matter of importance. On it, in a very great measure, _depends_ a steady, firm seat.

THE STIRRUP TOO LONG.

In the lady's endeavours to retain her foot in the stirrup, her weight must preponderate on the left side; if the stirrup be _too short_, it necessarily gives a rolling motion to her body, destructive alike to grace, elegance, and security of seat, and will prevent her seating herself sufficiently back in her saddle.

On the Reins (_vide_ p. 27).

Holding the Reins in one hand (_vide_ p. 28).

Using both hands (_vide_ p. 29).

Riding on one rein (_vide_ p. 30).

The Whip (_vide_ p. 30).

THE BRIDLE HAND.

The motion of the lady's hand must be confined to the _wrist_--as in pianoforte playing--the action coming from _it alone_.

By the management of the reins, in concert with the yielding or retraction of the wrists, the horse is guided in his paces. By this mode the sensibility and goodness of his mouth is preserved; the beauty of his action is developed; steadiness is combined with security in his paces, and the safety of his rider is secured. The degree of command, which the animal can be placed under, _entirely depends on the degree of proficiency_ acquired in this branch.

GUIDING.

There are _four_ motions requisite in guiding a horse.

_To go forward._--Lengthen the reins, and give the animal his liberty.

For this purpose the lady's hand must be guided by the _action_ of her wrist, and, at the same time, she must apply gently her whip. Here, it is proper to remark, the lady's bridle, or left, hand must never be left inactive, but, by practice, she must endeavour to understand the art of _feeling the horse's mouth_; should the bridle hand _not_ be kept in constant use this will never come easy to the rider, the hand will be unsteady, and the horse will become the same.

_To go backward._--The reins must be shortened a little, the back of the hand turned down, the little finger next the body; the weight of the rider should be thrown back, with the little finger slightly pulled in towards the waist, then the horse will readily step back.

_To turn to the right._--The hand must be turned upwards, which will direct the little finger to the right. Throw the balance of the body into the turn, by inclining the bust to the right and applying the whip, which will cause the horse to move forward as he turns, obey the hand, and cross his legs one over the other, correctly.

_To turn to the left._--Let the hand be turned down, so that the little finger may be directed to the left; the bust must also be turned to the left, and the hand up, with the left heel applied to his side, and the whip to his right shoulder.

DISMOUNTING.