Drop gently to the ground at the

shoulder of the horse.

This may be

done at the gallop, by avoiding the momentary rest and coming down prepared to take a few steps with the horse, after which the holds upon the mane and pommel should be released.

General Exercises.

I.

From the seat, grasping each side of the fore-part of the saddle, bear the weight of the body upon the extended arms, turning the balanced body first one way and then the other.

II.

From the seat, grasping each side of the fore-part of the saddle, throw the

body forward upon the slightly bent arms towards the neck of the horse; and throwing up the legs in rear, cross them, and come into the saddle faced to the rear.

III.

From this position, place the palms of the hands upon the rump of the horse, and performing a movement similar to the above, come into the saddle faced to the front.

HANDS AND LEGS.

The horse is propelled by the hindquarters, and the movements are directed by the fore-hand. The legs of

the rider act upon the croup, and by their pressure bring forward those forces ; the hand restrains the forces of the fore-hand, and collects and guides all. When the forces of the croup are brought forward to such a point that they meet and balance the forces of the fore-hand, the horse is in equilibrium, and no movement can be generated until one or other of the forces predominate.

As the legs act upon the forces of and as the hand governs

the croup, the forces of the fore-hand, it will be

seen that this union and balance of

the forces puts the

immediate and

distinct control of the mass within the power of the rider.

The forward movement of the horse

will be measured by the effect of the forces of the croup to predominate, and the corresponding yielding of the forces of the fore-hand.

But if the force opposite the augmented force does not yield, then that unyielding part is the more firmly fixed to the ground, as by an incumbent weight, and if action takes place it must either be in rearing or in kicking.

If the forces of the croup predominate, and the fore-hand does not yield to correspond, then the action of this latter part is hampered. But if, as the forces of the croup seek to advance the point of union, an advance is made by the fore quarters, the equilibrium may still be approximately

obtained.

That is, if this equilibrium is to be maintained, the forward movement of the fore-hand will be permitted as the forces of the croup are brought forward.

If the speed is to be increased, the legs will act upon the croup and the hand will give freedom to the forehand. If it is desired to moderate the speed the forces of the fore-hand will be brought back; and when they are brought back to a point where they balance the forces of the croup, a halt is brought about. If the forces of the fore-hand are brought back beyond this point of balance, the mass must move back, or undue weight must fall upon and fix the croup.

It is the object of the rider to main