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YOUNG HORSEWOMAN'S
COMPENDIUM

OF THE

MODERN ART OF RIDING;

COMPRISING

A PROGRESSIVE COURSE OF LESSONS;

DESIGNED

To give Ladies a secure and graceful Seat on Horseback ;
At the same time,

So effectually to form the Hand, that they may, in a short
time, acquire perfect command of their Horses.

BY

EDWARD STANLEY,

LATE OF THE ROYAL ARTILLERY.

JAMES RIDGWAY, 169, PICCADILLY.

M.DCCC. XXVII.

J. TILLING, PRINTEKy
GROSVENOR ROW, CHELSEA,

PREFACE

A knowledge of the Art of Horse-
manship being considered essential
in a Lady's education, and the
length of practice necessary before
any degree of perfection can be at-
tained in so desirable an accomplish-
ment, together with the necessity for
prescribing rules to which the young
Horsewoman may occasionally refer,
in order to guard against falling into

IV

certain errors which are at all times
attended with a degree of danger;
induces the Author to submit this
brief work to the Public ; which he
flatters himself will be found, (if care-
fully perused, and the rules laid down
put into practice,) greatly to assist
Ladies in the acquirement of a suf-
ficient knowledge of Riding for the
common purposes of exercise, which,
he humbly conceives, is as much
as is necessary for them to acquire
in the art; as, from the peculiarity
of their seat, they must not expect
to arrive at any great degree of
proficiency in the higher airs of the
Manage.

Much will depend on the first Les-
sons, which should be of the most
gentle kind, and practised if possible
in a Riding House ; where particu-
larly, if the Trot is persevered in,
beginners will in a short time acquire
great confidence and firmness in the
Saddle.

The Trot has always been consi-
dered by the best Masters as the only
true principle by which both Ladies
and Gentlemen can attain a secure
and graceful seat on horseback ; and
the Author's long practical experience
fully convinces him of the correctness
of that opinion.

vt

Riding, as an accomplishment, is
indisputably one of the most elegant
a Lady or Gentleman can possess.
Its acknowledged beneficial effects on
the constitution by the Faculty, ought
sufficiently to recommend it; and
induce parents to spare neither pains
nor expense in giving their children
a competent knowledge of an art,
which would embrace the advantages
derivable from an exercise so con-
ducive to health.

In submitting the following pages
to the perusal of the Public, the
Author has no pretensions to literary
praise; his object is instruction, not
fame ; and having designed the fol~

Vll

lowing Lessons chiefly for the im-
provement of beginners, particularly
those who cannot take the benefit of
a Riding School, he has endeavoured
to simplify, as well as abridge them,
in order that they may be the better
retained in the memory, and under-
stood by the juvenile branches. La-
dies should practise the different
Lessons in the progressive order in
which they are written ; and make
themselves well acquainted with one
Lesson, before commencing another,
by which confidence is acquired, and
the seat, and hand, gradually formed.

There are many other Lessons, not
mentioned in this concise volume,

Vlll

which are of great importance to the
young Horsewoman, when sufficiently
advanced ; but they can only be prac-
tised in a Riding House, particularly
Leaping and Plunging, which must be
used as finishing Lessons, in order
more effectually to confirm the seat.

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

PLATES.

FRONTISPIECE.

The Frontispiece represents a Lady in the act
of being lifted on Horseback, with a Gentleman
assisting her with his right hand ; and he is sup-
posed to be holding the Horse's head with his
left hand.

PLATE I.

The intention of this Plate is to represent a
Side Saddle on a Horse's back, viewed from an
elevated situation behind the Animal. The ob-
ject of this Plate is to shew the Pupil the exact
position which she must constantly maintain, par-
ticularly as to squareness when in the Saddle,
upon which depends that true union so abso-
lutely necessary between the Rider and Horse ;
and to enable Ladies to acquire which, is one of
the principal objects of the progressive order of
the following Lessons. The Author begs to as-
sure Ladies, that they cannot possibly bestow too
much attention in the study of this Plate, or
refer to it too often. Should the Rider incline
the upper part of her body forward to letter A.,
which will be better understood by referring to
Plate III., she becomes disunited from her Horse,
and extremely insecure ; but if the upper part of
the body is inclined a little back to letter B., the
Rider will be united to her Horse, and firmly
seated in the Saddle.

PLATE II.

This Plate represents a Horse in the Canter,
moderately united. The Rider's position is erect,
her shoulders a little back, and sitting quite square
in the Saddle ; a Bridoon Rein is held in the right
hand, with the Whip sloped a little back behind
the Saddle. Although Ladies are recommended
in Lesson X. to hold the hands on a level with
each other, when a Bridoon Rein is in the right;
yet, in this Plate, the right hand is lower, in
order to shew the position of the left, or Bridle
Hand.

A Horse Cantering, as in this Plate, the haunches
being under him, are made to sustain the principal
part of the weight ; he touches the ground but
lightly with his fore feet, in consequence of the
hind feet being brought more under the centre of
gravity; his action is, therefore, rendered much
safer.

PLATE III.

This Plate requires very little description ;
it sufficiently explains itself; but Ladies will
perceive, that in consequence of the extremely
awkward position of the Rider, the whole
of her weight is thrown forward ; the Horse
not receiving the smallest assistance or support
from the Rider, is going entirely on his shoulders ;
and as the chief part of his weight, as well as
that of the Rider, is thrown on his leading fore-
leg as it comes to the ground ; and should he put
his foot on a rolling stone, or be going over
rough or uneven ground, he must certainly fall,
and throw the Rider over his head ; as it is im-
possible for her to give the Animal any assist-
ance, from the extreme length of the Reins,
and her awkward position in the Saddle.

CONTENTS

Lesson. Page.

I. Approaching a Horse ••• 1

II. Putting a Lady on Horseback ••«• 3

III. Assisting a Lady off her Horse ■• 11

IV. Of the Reins « 15

V. Of the Position of the Body 27

VI. Of the Bridle Hand •' 39

VII. Of the Walk ../.. 51

VIII. Of the Stop ............ 55

IX. Of the Turn 61

X. Reining Back « ••* 67

XI. Of the Trot .... <•» 73

XII. Of the Canter, or Short Gallop »« 81

XIII. Leaping - « •• 93

XIV. Riding on the Wrong Side * 101

XV. Rules to be observed on the Road 105

XVI. Other Remarks ........ in

XVII. Of Saddling and Bridling Ladies

Horses ••••* ..•••• 113

LESSON I

APPROACHING A HORSE.

The Horse must be so placed, pre-
paratory to putting a Lady on his back,
that she may approach him in a slow
and steady manner directly at the shoul-
der; the animal can then neither bite
nor kick her, if so disposed ; indeed,
there is scarcely a Horse that will not
kick at a person going suddenly up to
him from behind.

Should the Horse be in such a position,
that a Lady cannot approach him on the

near side, it is strongly recommended
that she should pass round by his head,
(as a man is supposed to be holding
him,) which precludes the possibility of
receiving an injury from a kick. It is
also desirable to let the animal, if pos-
sible, see the person approaching him,
in order, as before observed, that he
may not be taken by surprise.

LESSON II

PUTTING A LADY ON HORSEBACK

J. wo persons are necessary to assist in
putting a Lady on Horseback ; one to
hold up the Horse's head, standing im-
mediately in front, with a hand on each
Bridoon Rein, close to the Horse's mouth ;
the other to lift the Lady up to the
Saddle.

The Horse is to be placed straight on
his legs, preparatory to putting a Lady
on his back.

b2

The Lady having first adjusted her
Habit, is to place her right shoulder
against the Saddle, her face turned a
little from the Horse. Her right hand,
with the Bridoon Rein hanging loosely
on the fore-finger, or thumb, to be
placed on the upright Horn, and to stand
perfectly erect, resting the whole weight
of the body on the right foot. The person
to lift the Lady up, must place himself
as close to her as possible, and unite his
hands, by putting the fingers within each
other; he is then to stoop down, and
receive the Lady's left foot full in his
hands near the ground, in order that she
may keep her left knee as straight as
possible, which gives the man additional
power, and causes her to be lifted per-
pendicularly to the Saddle.

If the left knee be much bent, the
person lifting the Lady up, has very little

command of her weight ; she is, therefore,
compelled to drag herself up in the most
ungraceful manner possible; and often
necessitated to make two or three attempts,
before she can succeed in getting into
the Saddle.

By attention to the foregoing rules, the
most heavy, or inactive person, may be
lifted up at the first attempt, if the pres-
sure in the man's hands is correctly per-
pendicular, and the Lady stands so close
to the Saddle as to touch it with her right
shoulder.

Care must be taken, that no part of
the Habit is under the Lady's foot when
placed in the man's hands ; as it acts as
a check, and prevents her taking a suf-
ficient spring, which must be proportioned
to the height of the Horse the Lady is
to be put on.

b3

The Lady, after placing her left hand
on the man's right shoulder, will be ready
to be lifted up, which must be done in a
very slow and steady manner; but it is
advisable to remain in the above position
a few moments, as ail hurry should be
particularly avoided.

It must be clearly understood, and ex-
plained to the man, that he must lift, and
the Lady spring from the instep, at the
same instant, guiding herself up to the
Saddle with the right hand. In taking
the spring, it must be done at two mo-
tions or springs; the first is given as a
signal to the man, who is to lift at the
second ; and, after a few trials, he will
become tolerably expert in lifting a Lady
on Horseback, if this rule is observed.

The Whip had better be given to the
man holding the Horse, who must take

it in his left hand, and present it to the
Lady when settled in her Saddle; but
after she becomes expert in mounting
her Horse, she may then hold it between
the thumb and fore-finger of the right
hand; and, before taking hold of the
crutch, to put the small end of it between
the horns, letting it hang down on the off
side. Thus the changing of the Whip
from the left to the right hand is avoided.

On arriving in the Saddle, the right
knee must be put into the crutch as
soon as possible; but, previously to doing
so, it will be advisable to take hold of
the Habit and under garments with the
right hand, close to the right knee, to
ease them up, in order to allow sufficient
room for the knee to come quite down
in the crutch, where it must remain per-
fectly stationary.

b4

8

Should the Habit require any regu-
lating behind, the Lady must take hold
of the crutch with her right hand, and
gently raise herself from the Saddle, and
smooth it down with ber left hand; but
if it is properly adjusted, previously to
being lifted up, it will require very little
alteration after arriving in the Saddle.

Great care must be observed, that the
Habit and under garments are particu-
larly full and easy, in order that the Lady
may be at perfect liberty, and not, in the
most trifling degree, confined by them.

A Horse must not be suffered to hurry
away after getting on his back, but be
made to stand still a few minutes, and
then to walk quietly off. This is an ex-
cellent lesson for a young or unsteady
Horse.

Learners should practise this, and the
following lesson for dismounting, two or
three times previously to commencing
their daily ride; and, in a short time,
they will be able to get on Horseback
with a great degree of ease.

LESSON III.

ASSISTING A LADY OFF HER HORSE,

A. Lady should not dismount from her
Horse without the assistance of at least
one man, although two are absolutely ne-
cessary. But should one person only be
present, he must stand at the Horse's
head, holding it up, to prevent him from
kicking or springing forward.

The Lady, previously to taking her
knee out of the crutch, must draw her
foot from the Stirrup, as in the event of
any thing occurring to alarm the Horse,

12

so as to cause him to move before her
foot is withdrawn from it, and her knee
not in the crutch at the time, a serious
accident may be the result: so that
taking the knee out of the crutch must
be the last thing done, previously to
springing out of the Saddle.

Having taken the foot out of the Stir-
rup, ^nd knee out of the crutch, the right
hand is to be placed on the upright
horn of the Saddle, with the Bridoon
Rein hanging loosely on the fore-finger
or thumb, and the Whip between the
thumb and finger, which must be pre-
viously brought very slowly over to the
near side, with the point hanging down
to prevent alarming the Horse, by its
being too suddenly changed; she must
then take a spring from the Saddle,
throwing herself quite clear of it; and
whilst in the act of descending, give

13

the body a gentle turn round to the
right, which will materially assist in dis-
engaging her from it. On arriving on
the ground, drop a gentle courtesy, to
prevent any injury to the frame, by the
shock it may receive on coming in con-
tact with it.

But should there be a second person
present, the Lady may give her left
hand to him, supporting herself as she
descends by the crutch of the Saddle,
and the man's hand.

Before springing from the Saddle, draw
the right hand down under the right leg,
to feel that the Habit^ is quite clear of
it and the Stirrup.

Supposing the Lady to be again lifted
up, we proceed to the next lesson for

14

taking the reins, which must be the first
thing done after being settled in the
Saddle.

LESSON IV

OF THE REINS.

Ladies are recommended always to ride
with a double Bridle, and, at all times,
to keep both Reins in hand. There is a
possibility, when one Rein only is used,
of its breaking. This has, to the author's
knowledge, often happened, and is suf-
ficient to support his argument in favour
of a double Bridle.

When a single Bit only is used on a
Lady's Horse, and that generally a Curb,

16

there is a continual hanging on the Reins,
to the destruction of all feeling in the
animal's mouth ; and should he be of a
fretful disposition, he is rendered extremely
unsteady and unsafe to ride, as by the sud-
den check of the Reins, a Horse is some-
times made to rear, and, perhaps, fall
over.

Although the Bridoon Rein, as well as
the Curb, is formed by two pieces sewed
together in the centre, yet the Author
will speak of each Rein in the plural
number, in allusion to the two sides of
the Rein, in order that he may be the
better understood.

Some Ladies are apt to hang the Bri-
doon Reins on the crutch of the Saddle,
or drop them on the Horse's neck; in
both cases they become perfectly useless,

17

as they get entangled under the right
knee, or safe of the Saddle, and might
as well be taken off altogether.

The method of taking the Reins can-
not be too simple; they must proceed
uninterruptedly from the Horse's mouth
to the Rider's hand, and must not cross
or interfere with each other. The Author
will, therefore, commence with the system
he has invariably found to be the most
easy to beginners in particular, and which
likewise gives more effect to the operation
of the Reins on the Bit than any now
in practice.

In Chapter the second, the Author
recommended that the Bridoon Reins
should be taken on the fore-finger or
thumb of the right hand, whilst being
lifted on the Horse ; but as the Lady is
c

18

now supposed to be settled in the Saddle,
and preparing to take her Reins in the
Bridle Hand, she is to place the Bridoon
Reins loosely across the palm of the left
hand, which will hereafter be called the
Bridle Hand; then to take hold of the
button,* or end of the Curb Reins, with
the fore-finger and thumb of the right
hand, and draw them gently through the
Bridle Hand, with the little finger be-
tween them, until she feels a very light
pressure on the Horse's mouth. The
centre, or part where the Bridoon Reins
are united, and which was previously
placed in the palm of the left hand, is
now to be put on the Curb Reins; the

* In order to enable a Lady at all times to
keep her Curb Reins even, it is advisable to sew
the ends together so as to form a kind of button,
by which the centre may be instantly found,
slioufil she by any accident drop them.

19

fingers to be shut close, and the thumb
pressed down upon the Reins, to prevent
them slipping through the hand.

The Curb Reins must lay flat to the
Horse's neck, as any twist or turn in
them will make a difference in their ope-
ration on the Bit, so as to prevent its true
action in the Horse's mouth. To ensure
which, in taking up the Curb Reins,
press them lightly between the thumb
and fore-finger of the Bridle Hand, as
they are drawn through it, which will
immediately prove if they are twisted.

When a Lady becomes tolerably ex-
pert on Horseback, and possesses a com-
petent knowledge of the use of her Reins,
and wishes to ride on the Curb only, the
foregoing method is recommended as
being the most simple; but learners are
advised by no means to ride in this way ;
c2

20

the hand, not being formed, is conse-
quently extremely unsteady ; the Horse
is, therefore, at every instant checked,
which renders him very irritable, and
irregular in his paces.

Nor ought a beginner to ride with
Curb Reins until she can stop, turn her
Horse, rein him back, &c, and manage
him with a Bridoon Rein in each hand,
and the hands become tolerably steady.
It is, therefore, desirable for a young
scholar to ride as much as possible on
the Bridoon when taking the first lesson ;
and the following method of holding them
is strongly recommended when riding on
the Bridoon only.

After taking up the Reins, as before
directed, draw the Bridoon Rein short
in the left hand, and take that which
hangs down by the right or off side of

21

the Horse's neck the same length in the
right hand, so that all the Reins may be
of an equal length, and have the same
purchase on the Horse's mouth. To ride
on the Bridoon only, let the Curb Reins
slip two or three inches through the left
hand, which throws the whole purchase
on the Bridoon ; and if any thing should
occur to render it necessary to resort to
the Curb, the Reins can be instantly
drawn short, by taking hold of the end
or button with the right hand.

When the Bridoon Reins are divided
in each hand, the hands must not be
more than three inches apart; in this
case, the Rein in the right hand guides
the Horse to the right, and that in the
left hand to the left.

The right Bridoon Rein to come di-
rect from the Horse's mouth, and pass
c3

22

between the third and fourth fingers of
the right hand, letting it fall over the
fore-finger, pressing the thumb close down,
to keep it secure. The Whip to be in
the right hand, with the point down-
wards ; and it can be used with great
effect immediately behind the Saddle.

The Author takes this opportunity to
caution his fair readers against any un-
necessary flourishing of the Whip, par-
ticularly with a young and spirited Horse ;
but when it is used to punish the animal,
it must be done with severity. Ladies
are, in general, so shy of using it, that
the Horse, in consequence of not being
sufficiently punished when he commits a
fault, soon repeats it, and, ultimately,
turns perfectly restive.

If Ladies wish to ride with the Reins
all drawn up in the left hand, which is

23

a common practice, the Author begs to
recommend the following method of hold-
ing them, as being the most simple.

Supposing the Reins to be taken ac-
cording to the first method, with the
Bridoon Reins hanging loosely across
the hand, the Curb Reins must now be
divided by the third instead of the little
finger. The Bridoon Rein to be drawn
short in the left hand, and also taken
short in the right, and placed under the
fore-finger of the Bridle Hand. The
Reins to be all of an equal length, and
have the same purchase on the Horse's
mouth, and kept one upon the other, and
secured by the pressure of the thumb.
There will then be one Bridoon Rein
under the little finger, and one under
the fore-finger, with the Curb Rein in
the centre, and they will be found not
to cross each other.

c 4

24

ANOTHER METHOD.

It has already been observed, that the
Reins should proceed uninterruptedly
from the Horse's mouth to the Bridle
Hand, in order that he may clearly feel
and understand the various motions of
the hand ; it will at once be perceived,
that, according- to the following system
of holding them, such cannot be the
case, as the Reins are crossed near the
hand. Nevertheless, as it is a system
much in fashion, the Author will en-
deavour to explain it; and Ladies, after
trying both methods, can adopt that
which will afford the greatest facility in
obtaining command of the Horse.

25

First, take the centre of the Bridoon
Reins between the thumb and fore-
finger of the right hand, put the middle
finger of the Bridle Hand between them,
with the point of the finger downwards,
draw them moderately tight, and lay
them over the fore-finger. The Curb
to be taken up with the right hand, the
same as in the former system, to be
drawn short, and fall over the fore-
finger upon the Bridoon Reins. They
are to be kept correctly one upon the
other; and, for security, the thumb
should be pressed firm upon them.

The right Bridoon Rein, which comes
immediately from under the fore-finger
of the Bridle Hand, may, occasionally,
be taken in the right hand, as in the
foregoing system.

LESSON V.

OF THE POSITION OF THE BODY

1 oo much attention cannot possibly be
paid to the position of the body in the
Saddle, as its correct balance will de-
pend thereon. It must at all times be
erect, and particularly easy and square,
in order to ensure a perfect assimilation
between its motions and the action of
the Horse, without which, it will be
utterly impossible to acquire any de-
gree of balance.

28

When a Lady sits square, with her
shoulders back, the weight of the body
is brought down in the Saddle, and she
becomes firmly seated on her Horse,
and enabled to accompany him in all
his motions.

Should the Horse plunge, or become
otherwise unsteady, the throwing back
of the body, provided it is square in the
Saddle, prevents the violence of his
action from disturbing the Rider. In
every case of unsteadiness in the Horse,
this rule must be followed, excepting
when he rears, at which time the whole
weight of the Horse, as well as that of
the Rider, is thrown perpendicularly
upon his hind legs ; and should he, in
this position, receive the most trifling
check from the Rider's hand, he must
inevitably fall backwards.

29

When a Horse shows a disposition
to rear, yield the hand immediately to
him, so that the Reins may be very
loose, giving him a smart cut with the
Whip, to make him go forward; but
when he is absolutely in the act of rear-
ing, yield the Bridle Hand, as before
directed, and lean forward close to his
neck; and should the right hand be at
liberty, catch him round the neck with
it: this will materially assist in bringing
him down on his fore feet, and effec-
tually prevent the Rider's body from
going back, or the Horse receiving the
slightest check from the hand. Should
your Horse kick up behind, throw your
body well back, raise his head, and
apply the Whip smartly on the shoulder.

It is the opinion of many, that Ladies,
as well as Gentlemen, ought to take
their first lessons without a Stirrup.

30

This is a mistaken notion, the fallacy
of which, the Author flatters himself,
can be proved in a few words.

For instance, a Gentleman has an
equal weight on each side of his Horse,
which keeps him balanced in the centre
of his Saddle. This weight, as regards
the Lady's seat, is thrown all on one
side; it is, therefore, obvious, that if a
Lady, before she is settled in her Saddle
by long practice, is suffered to be without
her Stirrup, the weight of her left leg-
hanging down, will, most decidedly, pre-
vent her from maintaining the centre of
the Saddle; and, as a natural conse-
quence, cause her to hang entirely by
the crutch, to the total destruction of
balance and gracefulness of riding, be-
sides the danger of injuring the Horse's
back, by drawing the Saddle on one
side.

Plate I.

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31

When a Lady is enabled to sit per-
fectly square, and has acquired a firm
seat with a Stirrup, she may then ride
occasionally without one; and there will
be little danger of the body being pulled
from the proper position by the weight
of the left leg, as a Lady's seat on
Horseback, when once formed on cor-
rect principles, will not be affected by
the disuse of a Stirrup.

In order to ensure this squareness of
position, without which a Lady can never
ride with any degree of ease or grace,
the Author begs to refer his fair readers
to the annexed plate, which represents
a Saddle on the back of a Horse, viewed
from behind, in which a line A.B. must
be imagined to pass along the centre of
the Saddle and Horse's mane, between
his ears, and over his croup ; upon this
line the Lady must correctly place her-

32 *

self, looking between the Horse's ears
to letter A., so that the hips may be
upon the line CD., which, being at
right angles with the line A. B., places
her square, and in the centre of the
Saddle. The centre of gravity of the
Rider, must rest on the point of inter-
section G. of the said two lines A.B.
and CD., where she must constantly
feel herself united to her Horse. But
this will depend upon the ease and
pliancy of the position.

Particular attention must be paid to
the length of the Stirrup, an object of
great importance; as maintaining the
centre of gravity depends, in a very
great degree, upon it.

Previously to the fitting of the Stirrup,
the Rider must place herself in the Sad-
dle, according to the above rule, allow-

33

ing her left leg to hang easy, with the
toe raised, and the knee a little bent;
and if the Stirrup be fitted to the leg
in this position, it will be of a proper
length. Too long a Stirrup is equally
destructive to the seat, as one too short;
in the first place, the Rider's body is
drawn by her endeavour to keep her
Stirrup, away to the left of the centre
of the Saddle; when too short, it is
forced to the right of the centre, in which
the hips will be on the dotted line E. F.,
and shews the way Ladies sit, who have
not received proper instructions in riding,
which places them in an extremely in-
secure and ungraceful position.

Too short a Stirrup also gives ad-
ditional action to the body in the Saddle,
and prevents the Rider sitting down in
it, or throwing the body sufficiently
back.

34

The Lady having taken her seat square
in the Saddle, with the Bridoon Reins
divided in each hand, will proceed ac-
cording to the following rules, to place
the upper part of the body.

As the position of the upper part of
the bust entirely depends on the head,
particular care must be taken that it is
upright; neither inclining to the right,
nor to the left, forward, nor backward.
The shoulders to be kept down, and
thrown a little back from the perpen-
dicular; this expands the chest, and
gives a hollo wness to the small of the
back, which it must retain while on
Horseback.

The body, from the waist upwards,
must be moveable, and extremely pliant
in every part, particularly across the
loins ; where it must act like a hinge,

35

to enable the upper part to yield to the
Horse's motion. This yielding- of the
upper part of the body, when square,
keeps the Rider's weight down in the
Saddle, and enables her to maintain her
seat in the more violent struggles with
the animal.

The Author must again caution his
fair readers, to sit extremely pliant and
easy; as the most trifling stiffness in
any part of the body, particularly across
the loins, will prevent its motion corre-
sponding with the Horse's action, and
cause the Rider to be jerked out of the
Saddle at every irregularity in the Horse's
paces.

The arms must hang easy, and quite
independent of the body at the shoulders,
and be kept near the side, and not, by
any means, to appear stiff.
d2

36

The right leg, from the hip to the
knee, to be kept immoveable down in
the Saddle, particularly the knee; and
in order to effect which, the heel should
be drawn back.

The left leg must hang perfectly steady,
particularly from the hip to the knee,
with the toes lifted up, and turned in ;
the leg kept close to the Horse's side,
the knee close to the Saddle, and by no
means to press hard in, or, at any time,
to depend upon the Stirrup, which is
only given to ease the weight of the
leg.

If the left leg is not turned well into
the Saddle, the muscles being round, w7ill
cause it to shake about. This unsteadi-
ness in the leg will be communicated to
the body, and disturb that assimilation
which should always exist between the

37

motions of the Rider's body and the
Horse; but, on the contrary, if it is
properly turned in, and kept firm, and
close to the Saddle, it will add very
much to the steadiness of the position,
and security of tfie Rider.

Ladies' Saddles are in general made
too short. They should be sufficiently
long to allow the upright horn to come
immediately from under the bend of the
knee, which gives the Lady double the
purchase in the crutch, and causes her
to ride with a greater degree of security
and comfort.

d3

LESSON VI.

OF THE BRIDLE HAND.

Too little attention is paid, in the gene-
nerality of Riding Schools, to what
ought to be the first and principal lesson
a young Horsewoman should be made
perfect in ; namely, the hand, and proper
management of the Reins. Ladies can-
not possibly attend too much to this part
of the art. Their future comfort on
Horseback, and the goodness of the
Animal's mouth and paces, will entirely
depend upon it, particularly the latter,
which must be regulated by an extremely
d4

40

slow and gradual drawing in or yielding
of the Reins, by the action of the wrist,
as circumstances may require.

Thus the danger of alarming the
Horse, or taking him by surprise, will
be atoided ; and he will the better com-
prehend the various aids of the hand,
and be more willing to obey them.

The Wrist to be so rounded, or bent,
as to turn the finger-nails in, and oppo-
site the body, so that the end of the
thumb may point across the waist to the
right. The little finger to be nearest
the body, which gives an equal purchase
to each Curb Rein, particularly when
riding with the Reins all in one hand,
gives it additional strength, and greatly
improves the general appearance of the
whole position.

41

The Bridle Hand must be held about
three, or three and a half inches from
the waist, and kept on a level with the
elbow, when the Horse's head is well
placed.

If he carries his head low, the hand
must be above the level of the elbow, in
order to raise it, with the assistance of
an occasional and imperceptible motion
of the little finger upwards to the face,
keeping the upper part of the body re-
clining a little back, to take the weight
from his shoulders.

If he carries his head high, and his
nose out, the hand must be held as low
as possible; indeed, Ladies cannot carry
the Bridle Hand too low in such a case,
as it brings down his nose, and im-
proves the general position of his head.

42

The Bridle Hand must be kept firm,
yet light; otherwise, the Horse will be
continually pulling at it, endeavouring
to get his head down, which destroys
that steady communication that ought,
at all times, to exist between the Rider's
hand and the Horse's mouth ; it dis-
covers to the animal that he is not un-
der command, and places the Rider's
body in an extremely awkward and in-
secure position.

In order to facilitate the acquirement
of this firmness and steadiness of hand,
it is recommended, that Ladies should,
when in the Walk, frequently shorten
the Reins, and, by an extremely slow
motion of the little finger towards the
waist, with the upper part of the
body back, and a gentle application of
the left heel and Whip, gradually to

43

shorten the Horse's step, and bring him
almost to a stand still. The object in
applying the heel and Whip, is to press
the Horse's haunches under him, as he
is retained by the hand. This unites
the Horse, and gives the Rider a great
command over him; and tend, mate-
rially, to the improvment of the hand.

But he must not be held in this
position long, as it is apt to make a
Horse, not accustomed to this lesson,
or one that is weak in his hocks or
loins, fretful and unsteady. He must,
therefore, after being held thus a few
moments, be relieved by the gradual
yielding of the hand, and suffered to
walk forward at full liberty. This may
often be repeated to very great advan-
tage both to Rider and Horse; but the
greatest possible attention must be paid
to the hand, as it cannot move too

44

slow, both in drawing in and yielding the
Reins. The wrist must, therefore, be
extremely pliant, and there must never
be more than the natural weight of the
hand on the Horse's mouth, and the
various motions of the hand must pro-
ceed from the wrist only.

The Bridle Hand must be held im-
mediately over the line A. B., when the
Horse is going straight forward. This
is the general position, from which the
four5* movements, to guide him to the
right, and left, forward, and backward,
ought to be made.

First. — To guide the Horse to the
right, turn the nails of the Bridle Hand
upwards, so as to direct the little finger

* Boringer's History and Art of Horsemanship,
Chap. 2.

45

to the right; turn the bust to the right,
in order to throw the balance of the
body into the turn, giving the Horse
a gentle tap with the Whip, to make him
move forward as he turns, which causes
him not only to obey the hand, but cross
his legs correctly, one over the other.

Second. — To guide the Horse to the
left, turn the nails a little down, so as
to direct the little finger to the left,
keeping the hand up, with the bust
turned to the left. Apply the left heel
to the Horse's side, and the Whip be-
hind the Saddle, to urge him well for-
ward. But should he hesitate in obey-
ing this aid of the hand, the Whip may
be applied to great advantage on the
right shoulder.

Third. — To go backwards, shorten the
Reins a little, turn the back of the

46

hand down, with the finger nails up-
wards, so as to bring the little finger
nearest the body, with the thumb-nail
towards the Horse's head, keeping the
hand low, and the body back; and if
the little finger is gently pulled in to-
wards the waist, the Horse will step
back, should he ever have been taught
this lesson.

Fourth. — To go forward, yield the
hand a little by the action of the wrist;
this lengthens the Reins, and gives the
Horse liberty; a gentle tap of the Whip
will then cause him to advance.

In the above motions, to the right and
left, the little finger to move at equal
distances each side of the line A.B.

In practising the said four motions,
let the Bridle Hand return to the general

position in the centre of the waist, after
making each respective motion, in order
that they may be the better compre-
hended.

The Bridle Hand is to be confined in
all its movements, right and left, to the
width of the waist, as, at no time,
ought it to appear beyond it; and the
smaller and less marked they are, to
produce effect, the better; this will de-
pend upon its being kept in the proper
position near the body.

When there is a Bridoon Rein in the
right hand, the motions of the left hand
will be the same as above described;
and in guiding the Horse to the right,
if the Rein in the right hand is gently
pulled in towards the waist, it will very
materially assist the Bridle Hand in
turning to the right. And in guiding

48

the Horse to the left, the right hand
must cross over towards, and follow the
left hand.

In stopping or reining a Horse back,
the Rein, in the right hand, must be
employed the same as those in the left,
by the turning of the little finger in to-
wards the waist.

The Author begs particularly to caution
Ladies against continually using the Curb;
and recommends them to ride, occa-
sionally, on the Bridoon. It is a great
relief to the animal's mouth, and keeps
him in good temper with the hand.

As a Horse ought to receive a certain
degree of support from the Rider's hand,
all quick motions must, therefore, be
particularly avoided ; as a sudden yield-
ing of the hand deprives him of that

49

support, throws him on his shoulders,
makes him unsteady, and spoils his
mouth and paces.

The wrist must be neither more nor
less bent than already described; as in
either case, the hand will appear ex-
tremely stiff" and awkward, and be heavy
on the Horse's mouth.

If the Horse is, at any time, unsteady,
aud should endeavour to get his head
down, raise the hand, but not too high;
which not only increases that unsteadi-
ness in the Animal, but also communi-
cates it to the upper part of the Rider's
body; pulls it forward, disturbs the
balance, and causes the Rider to lose
the command of her Horse.

Never suffer the Bridle Hand to be-
come dull, as there is scarcely a moment

E

50

but it has something* to do. But to know
when to feel the Horse's mouth, or yield
the hand to him, will require much study
and long practice. A Lady can never
ride well who does not know this great
secret; and it would be well to bear in
mind, that an unsteady hand is sure to
produce an unsteady Horse.

LESSON VII

OF THE WALK.

Beginners must ride quietly at a
Walk for some days, previously to com-
mencing with the Trot, as it settles
them in the Saddle, strengthens the
nerves, and prepares the body for the
rougher motions of the Trot.

When a Horse is walking, let him

have sufficient liberty of Rein to allow

him to step well out, without permitting

him to get his head too low, which would

e2

52

cause the Reins to become so length-
ened, that if the Animal trips he must
fall on his knees; having lost, by the
extreme length of Rein, that support
which he ought to receive from the
hand. From the same cause, the Rider
must lose the command of her Horse,
and cause him to go entirely on his
shoulders, which must never be allowed.

If a Horse is made to step well out
when in a Walk, his other paces will
be much improved by it; as it loosens,
and gives a greater degree of freedom
of action to the shoulders.

To put a Horse into a Walk, yield
the hand a little by the action of the
wrist, giving him a gentle tap with the
Whip, keeping the body back, and the
whole position pliant and easy.

53

Particular care must be paid to the
Horse's paces, which must, at all times,
be even and regular.

If the Horse is going over rough or
uneven ground, the Reins must be taken
shorter, the Horse's head kept up, and
the Rider's position more back, in order
to take the weight from his shoulders,
and cause him to lift up his legs, as-
sisting him occasionally with the Whip.

The Lady, after riding straight for-
ward for two or three days, will proceed
to the next Lesson for stopping a Horse.

e3

LESSON VIII

OF THE STOP.

The greatest proof possible that a Lady
has her Horse under good command, is
being able at all times to stop him well.
Attention to the following directions will
greatly facilitate the attainment of so
essential a part of the art; but much will
depend on the strict adherence to the
rules for the Bridle Hand.

Having previously recommended that
all sudden motions of the Bridle Hand
E 4

56

should be particularly avoided, this pre-
caution is indispensably necessary in the
Stop, which must be made very gradual,
stopping the Horse firm and even on his
legs, with his haunches under him, and
not by any means on his shoulders ; which
will be the case if the Reins are per-
mitted to be too long; therefore, pre-
viously to stopping a Horse, it is neces-
sary that they should be examined, to see
that they are of equal lengths, and suf-
ficiently short to allow the hands room to
act between them and the waist, without
coming in contact.

Neither must they be so short at any
time as to draw the hands forward, which
will also pull the shoulders and upper
part of the body with them, and destroy
the balance.

Horses are sometimes rendered ex-

57

tremely unsteady when the Reins are too
short.

Beginners are also apt to get the Bridle
Hand too high in the Stop ; this has the
same bad effect on the upper part of the
body, as when the Reins are too short;
diminishes the strength of the hand, and
disturbs that pliancy which is so abso-
lutely necessary to be observed through-
out the whole position.

The Bridle Hand must be kept low,
with the back of it turned down (3rd mo-
tion, Chapter VI.) and the little finger
pulled very gently, though firmly in to-
wards the waist. This position of the
hand, the same as in reining back, in-
creases the purchase on the Reins ; and
as they are drawn in, the little finger
must have a slight action upwards, to
raise the Horse's head, and the upper

68

part of the Rider's body must at the same
time be thrown gradually, and well back :
this unites her to her Horse, and stops
him firm and even on his legs.

In stopping a Horse with the Reins in
one hand, care must be observed, that it
is correctly in the centre of the waist, on
the line A.B., and that the Horse is
stopped perfectly straight ; and imme-
diately the Stop is completed, the hand
must be slowly yielded to him, lengthen-
ing the Reins, and by a slight applica-
tion of the Whip, if necessary, to make
him step well out.

Never stop a Horse when turning, as
there is a possibility of his striking his
legs together, and throwing himself
down.

All Horses do not require the same

59

degree of retention of the Reins in the
Stop. The particular degree each Horse
will require, depends upon many circum-
stances, such as the conformation of the
Animal, state of his mouth, temper, &c.

Should too much force be employed,
the Animal may be materially injured by
the sudden Stop he is compelled to make,
and perhaps to rear ; on the other hand,
the Stop will be imperfectly made, should
the Bridle Hand not be sufficiently firm.
But practice, together with a due atten-
tion to the rules laid down for the Bridle
Hand, will give the learner a knowledge
of the state of each Horse's mouth she
may ride, as soon as she takes him in
hand, so as to proportion the stress on
the Reins accordingly.

The Rider being now supposed tolera-
bly perfect in stopping her Horse, we will

60

proceed to the following Lesson for the
Turn.

LESSON IX

OF THE TURN.

It has already been observed, that a
Horse ought, at all times, to receive
more or less support from the Rider's
hand, according to circumstances; but
he will require it, when moving on a
small circle, or on the Turn, more than
on a straight line ; as a Horse, on the
Turn, crosses his legs; and, if left to
himself, will hesitate in obeying the
Bridle Hand ; and in consequence of
not being sufficiently supported, is likely

62

to trip himself up, or turn entirely on
his shoulders.

Previously to turning a Horse, it will
be well to examine the Reins, to see
that they have not slipped through the
hand, (which is but a momentary ope-
ration,) in order to ensure to the Ani-
mal not only the necessary support, but
that he may feel and understand imme-
diately the aid of the hand.

To turn a Horse to the right on his
own ground, observe well the first mo-
tion of the Bridle Hand, (Chapter the
Sixth,) keeping it up, in order to ele-
vate the Horse's head, and bring his
haunches under him; but particular care
must be taken that the Horse is not
confined, as he would be prevented from
crossing his legs correctly, that is, one

63

over the other, and not one behind the
other, so as to endanger his falling, or
cause him to run back ; but when in the
act of turning, he must be urged well
forward with the left heel and Whip ;
the heel keeps him up to the hand ; the
Whip, applied on the off side, behind
the Saddle, assists the hand in its ope-
ration to the right.

In turning to the left, more attention
must be paid to the position of the Bridle
Hand than to the right, as Ladies are
apt to drop the hand in placing it in the
second position, instead of elevating it a
little, to keep up the Horse's head.

In the position of the hand to turn to
the left, the nails must not be turned
down too much, so as to cause the elbow
to be lifted up, which looks extremely
awkward; as the arm must never be

64

disturbed by the different motions of the
hand, and particular care must be ob-
served, that the Rider's body takes its
proper turn, that is, always to the hand
to which the Horse is turning. This not
only greatly assists the Animal, but ena-
bles the Rider to maintain a steady seat
in the Saddle.

In turning to the left, a Horse must
be equally pressed forward, and up to the
hand with the heel and whip, as to the
right ; the left heel assisting the hand to
the left, and the whip pressing the Horse
forward, and up to the hand.

It is a most excellent lesson, particu-
larly for Ladies, frequently to turn round
to both hands ; more to the right about
than to the left about ; as Ladies, from
the peculiarity of their seat, have a
greater difficulty in throwing the balance

65

to tbe right, than to the left; and as
beginners have a great dread of falling
off the Horse to the right side, and con-
sequently incline the position too much to
the left to avoid it, frequent turning of
the Horse to the right about will divest
them of that apprehension, and greatly
improve the balance.

Commence this Lesson on a large cir-
cle, gradually diminishing it, as the ba-
lance improves; attending strictly to the
foregoing directions for turning ; as the
same aids for turning right and left, will
also turn a Horse right and left about,
that is, completely round ; paying atten-
tion to the Animal correctly crossing his
legs, by being urged well forward, and
that the balance of the Rider's body be
thrown more in towards the centre, by
the turn of the body at the waist, as the
F

66

circle is contracted, and not by any move-
ment of it in the Saddle.

It is recommended, in a former part of
this Lesson, that the Horse should at all
times receive a certain degree of support
from the Rider's hand ; this relates chiefly
to beginners, who in general abandon
their Horses too much, not only from a
want of hand, but permitting the Reins
to slip. Persons arriving at a tolerable
degree of perfection in the Art, may oc-
casionally, when the Horse is walking on
a straight line, give the Reins np to him
to a certain extent, and in suitable situa-
tions, that he may learn the use of his
own powers, and to carry his Rider safe.

LESSON X.

REINING BACK.

This Lesson, as well as the Stop, assists
very materially in giving a Lady a firm
hand on a Horse; it at the same time
greatly improves the Animal, as it teaches
him to carry his head well, and obedience
to the hand; and very materially assists
in putting him on his haunches ; but great
judgment must be observed in putting it
in practice, particularly avoiding hurry,
or the most trifling degree of unstea-
diness, either in the hand, or position of
the Rider's body ; which not only con-
f2

68

fuses the Animal, but gives him pain ;
this being one of the most severe Lessons
a young, or awkward Horse, can be put
to, |f continued for any length of time ;
nevertheless, Ladies should practise it
every opportunity they may have; and if
the following rules are strictly adhered to,
the Horse will soon be taught to go back,
without danger of irritating his temper,
which will be gaining a double advantage,
as the Rider's Hand, and the Horse, will
be improved at the same time.

The Curb ought never to be used in
putting a Horse back. Take a Bridoon
Rein in each hand, letting the Curb
Reins slip a little through the left hand,
so that they may hang loose, according to
the previous directions for riding on the
Bridoon. The hands must be kept low,
the body erect, and perfectly square in
the Saddle; the Shoulders back, and

down, the eyes in a correct line between
the Horse's ears to letter AM and the
whole position extremely easy,

A Horse must be made to go back
perfectly straight ; therefore, particular
care must be observed, that the Bridoon
Reins are of exactly the same length,
as should one be shorter than the other
in the most trifling degree, the Horse's
head will be bent on one side, which
throws him out of the straight line, and
frustrates the principal object of this
Lesson.

Having taken the Reins as before
directed, and shortened them a little,
place the hands on a level with each other,
and by a slow motion of the little fingers
towards the body, the Horse will be
made to step back ; taking care that both
Reins receive exactly the same purchase,
F 3

70

by the motions of the little fingers in
towards the waist, at the same instant.

In reining back, a Horse cannot go too
slow ; therefore, yield the hands to him
after every step, which will prevent his
taking a dislike to it ; but should he be
quite unacquainted with this Lesson, and
the Rider can succeed in her first attempt
in making him take one step, she must
be satisfied with it, and yield the hands
to him immediately, caressing him on the
neck with the right hand, and let him
walk quietly forward.

The Eider will find great advantage in
understanding this Lesson, as well as
making her Horse acquainted with it; as
in the event of getting by accident be-
tween two carriages or other objects, and
not able to turn him round, or go for-
ward, the Horse must be reined back

71

clear of the obstruction ; otherwise an
accident might be the result.

In reining a Horse back, the left heel
and whip must be kept near the Horse's
sides, to be ready to assist the hands in
the event of the Horse throwing his
croup out of the straight line.

The Rider having made herself tolera-
bly well acquainted with the Walk,, Turn,
Stop, and Reining Rack, may commence
with the following Lesson for the Trot.

LESSON XI

OF THE TROT.

As the Author is chiefly addressing
himself to beginners, he will confine his
observations on this pace principally to
the Short, or, what is commonly called,
the Manage Trot; it being generally
admitted, that in it alone a Lady can
acquire a firm and elegant seat on
Horseback.

In this Trot, a Lady can correct her
position at pleasure, and acquire a good
balance in a short time, having so much

74

more control over the motions of the
body in that pace, than in the canter.

The Trot also affords an opportunity
of paying more attention to the Reins
and Bridle Hand ; therefore, by all
means, persevere in it, and do not at-
tempt to hitch or rise from the Saddle,
until a firm seat is acquired. Sit per-
fectly erect and steady, paying par-
ticular attention to the position, guard-
ing against stiffness as much as possible,
beginning with an extremely slow Trot,
and gradually increasing the velocity of
the pace as confidence is found to in-
crease.

The principal advantage derivable
from the Trot, is that of bringing the
body down in the Saddle by its own
weight, and, consequently, finds the true
equilibrium. But should the beginner

75

feel inconvenienced by the roughness of
the pace, she must Trot two or three
yards, then walking a short distance,
resuming the Trot at intervals ; thus
she will, in the course of two or three
days, not only cease to feel that incon-
venience, but derive great benefit from
persevering in this pace.

The hitching, or rising, can easily be
acquired, after a Lady is settled in her
Saddle, by the short Trot; and it must
only be done when the Horse is moving
at a very brisk pace, as it is chiefly his
action that should give the first impulse
to the motion of the body, observing
well, that its weight must be eased
down into the Saddle in a smooth and
steady manner, by the purchase of the
knee in the crutch, and the foot in the
Stirrup.

The Author has frequently observed,
both Ladies and Gentlemen, rise from
the Saddle in a slow Trot ; nothing
can, in his opinion, make a Lady, in
particular, appear more ungraceful.

The principal fault which Ladies ge-
nerally fall into in rising in the Trot,
is giving the body an extremely awk-
ward twist to the left. It originates,
in general, from beginning to rise be-
fore the body is correctly settled in the
Saddle, and the seat confirmed. The
Rider must, therefore, take particular
care to rise square, and in a correct
line between the Horse's ears to Letter
A., rather keeping the left shoulder a
little forward towards the Horse's ears,
than backward.

Previously to putting a Horse into

77

the Trot from a Walk, shorten the
Reins a little; and, by a gentle raising
of his head, his haunches are brought
more under him; then, by a slight tap
with the Whip, and an extremely slow
yielding of the hand, give him liberty
to advance, and he will go into a Trot.
But these aids must all be given at the
same instant, without touching or jerk-
ing the Reins.

The Rider's position must, at all times,
be erect and easy, with the shoulders
back, particularly in the slow Trot ; as
it counteracts, in a greater degree, the
effect of the increased roughness of the
pace on the Rider's position, brings her
down in the Saddle, and unites her to
her Horse.

The action of the Trot being cross-
wise ; and as the Horse brings his feet

78

to the ground two at a time, it is easy
for the Rider to tell, when he is strot-
ting true, or ambling. This is of great
importance to the Rider, and more so
to the Horse, as the goodness of his
other paces greatly depend on the cor-
rectness of the Trot.

Having already observed, that the
Horse, when in the Trot, has two feet
always on the ground, and two in the
air; viz. the near fore-foot, and off hind-
foot on the ground, and the off fore-
foot and near hind-foot in the air, he
then brings the latter two to the ground,
and lifts the others up ; so that he beats
the ground twice in the Trot. The
Rider must pay great attention that he
brings the two feet down at the same
instant, and occasionally to count one,
two, to determine that the Trot is cor-
rect. ; as should any time elapse, be-

79

tween bringing the fore and hind-foot
to the ground, it is a proof that the
pace is not true, and must be corrected
immediately by the Bridle Hand. Un-
steadiness in the Bridle Hand will pro-
duce this irregularity in the Trot. If
the Rider wishes to extend the Trot
for the purpose of rising, or hitching,
as it is termed, the Bridle Hand must
be yielded to the Horse, and the Reins
lengthened a little, in order to give him
more liberty ; at the same time, apply
the Whip gently behind the Saddle, to
urge him on.

To bring the Horse to a slow from
a fast Trot, shorten the Reins, and
draw the little finger of the Bridle
Hand in towards the waist, raising the
hand a little, with the upper part of the
body more back.

80

Should the Horse break into a Can-
ter from the Trot, stop him with the
most gentle motion of the hand possible,
(third motion,) throwing the upper part
of the body back. The Bridle Hand
must again be as gently yielded to him,
that the Trot may be resumed; but
should the motion of the hand be sud-
den, he will again start in a Canter, in
consequence of not being properly sup-
ported.

The Lesson for the Turn may be
practised to great advantage in the slow
Trot, paying the strictest attention to
the rules for turning the Horse ; and
observing, that the Animal will require
more determined aids, and additional
support, than in the Walk.

LESSON XII

OF THE CANTER, OR SHORT GALLOP.

Beginners having- little or no control
over the motions of the body in the Can-
ter, should assiduously persevere in the
Trot, until they can sit perfectly square
in the Saddle, with a degree of firmness
and ease; stop their Horses well, and
turn them at pleasure; they may then
commence the Canter without much dan-
ger of disturbing the seat.

The Canter is a short, collected, and

G

82,

animated Gallop ; (Plate 2.) and to put a
Horse into this pace, a great degree of
steadiness in the position of the body, as
well as the hand, is necessary ; that the
Animal may feel the aids, and under-
stand what is required of him.

Particular care must be paid to the
squareness of the position, and general
pliancy of the body, which should move
in unity with, and accompany the Horse
in his various motions. This will enable
the Rider to sit still in her Saddle, as she
ought scarcely to move from it in this
pace.

The most trifling degree of stiffness in
any part of the Rider's position, will
effectually prevent it from yielding to the
Horse's action, and will cause it to act in
direct opposition to it, and the Rider to
be jerked out of the Saddle at every step

Plate II.

"f-1^ IMa aifi, QriatvvtoJM. mar. i *» a^A #

83

the Horse takes, particularly if he be-
comes unsteady.

Until a Beginner acquires a tolerably
good command of her Horse, she must
commence the Canter from a short, and
animated Trot; as she will find much
less difficulty in putting him into that
pace from a Trot, than from a Walk;
as the Horse is supposed to be a little
collected, and in a great measure pre-
pared for it. To commence the Canter
from a Walk, prepare the Horse by
shortening the Reins two or three inches ;
then by an extremely gentle motion of
the Bridle Hand in towards the waist,
at the same time lifting the little fin-
ger up towards the face, with the
body back, giving the Horse a gentle
aid of the heel and whip, his head will
be raised, and his haunches brought
g2

84

under him. This places him in a' ready
position for going into the Canter.

If a Horse is not thus prepared, the
Rider will find a difficulty in putting him
into this pace; and should she succeed,
he will go entirely on his shoulders
(Plate 3.) and be liable to be thrown
down.

Supposing the Horse to be now pre-
pared, with the most gentle hand pos-
sible play with his mouth by the action
of the wrist, applying the left heel and
whip behind the Saddle, which will put
him into a Canter.

The greatest care must be observed
in giving the above aid of the Bridle
Hand, that it does not amount to a jerk
or check, so as to confuse, or irritate the
Horse.

Plato III.

Trinietl <LtUA lypomio^aphie^yyrkr^Zion GnrirTfyJt &

85

In giving your Horse the necessary
aids, be careful never to confine him;
but immediately he shews a disposition
to obey them, give him liberty, by slowly
yielding the hand.

If a Horse when cantering goes slow,
and moves with difficulty, and there is
an irregularity in bringing his feet to
the ground, which the Rider can feel by
his motion, and he shews a particular
degree of unsteadiness about the head,
it is in general occasioned by being held
too tight in the hand ; to correct which,
lengthen the Reins, or yield the hand
slowly to him; and, if necessary, urge
him on by a slight tap with the whip
behind the Saddle.

If a Horse in the Canter pulls much,
and tries to force the hand, the Rider
must not employ force to force, as the
g3

$6

more resistance the Horse feels, the
more he will be disposed to pull. The
hand must also in this case be very gently
given to him, and immediately drawn as
slowly in towards the waist, keeping the
upper part of the body back. This must
be repeated every time a Horse attempts
to force the hand ; and by this method
Horses are often broke of the above trick,
which will soon amount to a vice, if not
corrected in time.

A Lady's Horse should always lead
with the right, or off fore leg in the
Canter; but if he is disposed to take the
left one, when the necessary aids are
given, the Bridle Hand must be kept a
little to the left, which will confine his
near or left shoulder and leg, give more
facility to the motion of the right,
and compel him to go off with it. But
this expedient ought not to be resorted

87

to, if it can be avoided; as the Horse
should go into the Canter from a per-
fectly straight position, and not by any
means suffered to throw his croup on
one side.

Although it is recommended, that a
Lady's Horse should in general lead with
the right leg in the Canter, nevertheless,
with those Ladies who are accustomed to
perform long journies on horseback, and
find it necessary to persevere in the
Canter; it will be judicious occasionally
to make their Horses lead with the left
leg.

By adopting this plan, the Animal will
feel much relief; as the leading fore leg
comes to the ground with much greater
force than the other, in consequence of
the immense weight that is thrown upon
it ; it is, therefore, more subject to lame-
g4

88

ness, particularly in the foot, and is the
soonest worn out, which may be obviated
by occasionally changing the leg.

The Horse's month must be kept lively,
and his paces regulated by a drawing in
or yielding of the hand, as circumstances
may require ; this must proceed from the
wrist only, and be done with the greatest
judgment and steadiness, in order to pre-
serve a constant and steady communica-
tion between the hand and the Horse's
mouth.

If your Horse is permitted to grow
dull in this pace, or drop into a Trot,
which will be the case, if the Reins are
neglected, or suffered to slip through the
hand, an occasional motion of the little
finger of the Bridle Hand towards the
waist, and up to the face, a throwing
back of the upper part of the body, and

89

a gentle application of the whip behind
the Saddle, will cause him to go more
united and animated ; (Plate 2.) and, as
a reward for his obedience, yield the
hands slowly to him.

The Reins in the Bridle Hand must
frequently be examined, to see that they
are exactly of the same length, and have
not slipped through the hand ; and atten-
tion must also be paid to the position of
the Horse's head, that it is in a perfectly
straight direction.

The Bridle Hand must be kept firm,
the Horse's head up, # (Plate 2.) and
lightened in hand by the motion of the
little finger upwards, and on no account
permit him to change his pace : this he

* See Lesson VI. for the Bridie Hand.

90

will do, if the Reins are suffered to slip
through the hand.

In turning a Horse to the right in the
Canter, or cantering on a circle, too
much precision and delicacy in the ma-
nagement of the Reins cannot be ob-
served ; he must be supported well with
the Bridle Hand, his head turned a
little into the circle with the Bridoon
Rein in the right hand, the balance of
the Rider's body thrown well into the
circle, by the turn of the bust from the
waist ; the Horse must be pressed for-
ward and up to the hand with the left
heel and whip, particularly with the for-
mer, which acts upon, and presses the
off or leading hind leg under him, and
supports and balances him in the Turn.

A Horse must not be turned short to
the left in a Canter, when leading with

91

the right leg; therefore, to guard against
accidents, he must either be walked or
trotted to the left, and the Canter re-
sumed, if necessary, when in a straight
line.

LESSON XIII

LEAPING.

It was not the Author's intention,
when he commenced this little Work,
as will be perceived by the Preface,
to treat on the subject of this Lesson ;
it being, in his opinion, more adapted
for Riding House practice, as far as
relates to beginners ; but should Ladies
feel disposed to practise it out of doors,
the following rules for the Flying Leap
may be found useful.

94

This Lesson may be performed over
a very low rail, or small ditch ; and the
Author begs to recommend his fair
readers, not, at any time, to ride over
any thing above eighteen inches, or
two feet high. There is much less diffi-
culty in Leaping a ditch, than a hedge
or rail ; as the Horse, in the former
case, keeps himself in a more horizon-
tal position, and the Rider is, conse-
quently, not so much disturbed from
the Saddle.

Much depends on bringing a Horse
up to a Leap. He must approach it
in a perfectly straight position, and as
quietly as possible ; and in order to
guide him straight up to it, a Bridoon
Rein should be held in each hand, ta-
king care that they are of exactly the
same length, letting the Curb Reins

95

slip a little through the left hand; as
they ought not, on any account, to be
used in Leaping.

When the Horse has arrived at the
Leap, and is preparing to spring over
it, (which the Rider can perceive by
his raising his fore-hand,) she must
slowly yield forward her hands to him,
that he may the more effectually clear
it ; as he ought, at that moment, to be
left quite at liberty.

Should a Horse, when in the act of
Leaping, not be left sufficiently to him-
self, he is compelled to make a greater
effort than necessary ; and either fail in
the attempt to clear the Leap, or strain
himself by the great exertion he is
forced to use, in consequence of being-
held too tight in hand.

96

Neither must the Reins be too loose;
as it is necessary, when the Horse
arrives on the opposite side of the
Leap, to raise his head, and stop him
as much on his haunches as possible,
without checking him, which causes
him to alight firm and even on his
legs ; but this cannot be done if the
Reins are too long, as the Horse is
made to blunder, and, perhaps, come
down, and the Rider to fall over his
head.

If a Horse is Lurried at a Leap, it
sometimes causes him to miss, his dis-
tance, and spring too soon or too late,
and either come down upon the object
it was intended he should go over; or,
if a rail, run against it, and, perhaps,
throw himself and Rider over it : his
paces must, therefore, be so regulated,

97

that he may take a spring sufficiently
distant from the Leap, in proportion to
its height, to enable him to clear it.

A Horse will sometimes require a lit-
tle assistance from the Rider's hand, if
he is not likely to raise himself in time.
The aid, necessary in this case, is simi-
lar to that used in putting a Horse
into a Canter, and must be practised
with the same degree of delicacy ; the
object being, in both cases, to raise
the Horse's fore-hand ; but in Leaping,
it must only be given when necessary ;
as a Horse, accustomed to this Lesson,
will seldom require it.

A slight application of the Whip
will, sometimes, be found of great use
in Leaping, as it causes a Horse to
exert himself.

H

98

When approaching a Leap, the Rider's
body must be perfectly square, erect,
and particularly pliant and easy; and
when in the act of Leaping, and on
arriving at the opposite side of the
Leap, it cannot be thrown too much
back. On the balance of the body back,
depends the sitting a Leap well; as it
closes the Rider's weight to the Saddle,
and enables her to meet the Horse's
action.

The hands must be kept low; as
should they be lifted up, it not only
checks the motion of the Rider's body
from going back, but very much dis-
turbs the Horse in the Leap.

The right knee must be kept well
down in the crutch, with the leg drawn
back, and pressed close to the Saddle;

99

the left knee and leg must also be
kept close, and particularly steady.

When Ladies first practise this Les-
son, they must commence it over a very
small ditch, or object, laying close to
the ground.

Frequent stops from an animated
Canter, as well as Reining back, are
excellent for preparing the Rider for
the Leaping Lesson, particularly the
Stop, where the seat is maintained by
the throwing back of the body.

h2

LESSON XIV

RIDING ON THE WRONG SIDE.

Young Ladies, particularly beginners,
should, occasionally, ride on the off,
or, what is usually termed, the wrong
side of the Saddle ; it not only im-
proves the general pliancy of the body,
but causes them to feel much more at
ease, when riding on the right side.
For this purpose, the crutch of the
Saddle should be made moveable, and
have a Safe for the leg on each side.
H 3

102

The Safe is that part of the Saddle
against which the right leg presses,
when riding on the right side.

When riding on the wrong side, the
right hand becomes the Bridoon Hand,
the left shoulder to be kept well back ;
and the same attention to the square-
ness of position must be observed, as
when riding on the right side.

When the right becomes the Bridle
Hand, the motions, already described,
for guiding the Horse right and left,
will be reversed ; that is, to turn the
Horse to the right, the nails must be
turned a little down ; and to the left,
they must be turned up.

The motions of the hand for stop-
ping, reining back, and putting the

103

Horse forward, to be the same with
both hands.

If the Reins are held in the left
hand when riding on the wrong side,
the left shoulder will be pulled forward,
instead of being kept back ; which
destroys the balance, and causes a Lady
to appear extremely awkward; but, on
the contrary, if they are held in the
right hand, it materially assists in pla-
cing her square in the Saddle, and also
improves the balance.

H 4

LESSON XV.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED ON THE ROAD-

Always commence your ride in a
steady walk, which prevents any ruf-
fling of the Animal's temper; as Horses
are often rendered unsteady through-
out a day's ride, by commencing it in
one of the faster paces, particularly
the Canter.

When a Gentleman accompanies a
Lady on Horseback, he must ride on
her right side, where he is ready to

106

assist her, if necessary, with his left
hand.

A Horse must be more or less sup-
ported, or held up, according to the
nature of the ground he is moving
over ; as should it be uneven, and the
Horse not properly supported, he may
be thrown down.

A Horse must not be hurried round
a corner, either to the right or left,
particularly in the Canter; as should he
be leading with the opposite leg to
the hand to which he is turning, his
legs may slip from under him. In
order, therefore, to guard against acci-
dents, stop him, and walk him gently
round the corner ; and when in a
straight line, the Canter may be re-
sumed.

107

In meeting objects of any descrip-
tion on the road, always take the left
side, keeping as much distance from
them as possible ; and in overtaking
them, keep to the right, and as far
from them as the width of the road
will permit.

Horses that are led in hand must be
particularly avoided, as they are gene-
rally disposed to kick at objects that
approach them.

Should any thing occur, when in the
faster paces, to cause a Horse to be-
come restive, or at all unsteady, par-
ticularly in the Canter, stop him with
a gentle hand, and walk him a few
paces ; and when he becomes pacified,
set him off again; and in meeting ob-
jects which are likely to alarm a Horse,
it is advisable, if in a Canter, to stop

108

him, and walk him quietly past ; as he
can be the better reconciled to them in
the Walk, than in the Canter.

Should a Horse be inclined to go too
close to a carriage, or other object, and
the Rider finds a difficulty in keeping
him from it, or that he is disposed to
rub against it, a Bridoon Rein must
be taken in each hand, and his head
must be well bent towards the object,
applying the left heel or Whip, accord-
ing to circumstances, carrying both
hands at the same time from it; this
will force his croup from the object,
and prevent the Rider from comings in
contact with it.

Should any part of the Habit, ex-
cepting that which is under the right
knee, want regulating, it must be done
with the Rider's left hand; in which

109

case, the Reins must be taken securely
in the right hand ; but should it require
adjusting under the right knee, that
must be done with the right hand ;
but, on no account, take the knee out
of the crutch of the Saddle for that
purpose, while the Horse is in motion ;
and it is still more advisable, that some-
body should hold his head whenever that
is done.

When a Horse shies, the Rider must
keep her eyes in a straight line between
his ears to Letter A., and by no means
to look for the object that occasioned
it ; the balance of the body being,
thereby, drawn towards it, as the Horse
is flying from it ; the seat is, there-
fore, lost, and the Rider perhaps thrown.
But by keeping the eyes in a line be-
tween the Horse's ears, the balance is
preserved, and the seat undisturbed.

no

In approaching an object, that, in
the Rider's opinion, may cause a Horse
to shy, it is a good plan to take a
Bridoon Rein in each hand, and en-
deavour to bend his head from the ob-
ject, so that he may go past without
perceiving it.

OTHER REMARKS,

It is a much safer plan, to put that
part of the Habit which hangs near
the Horse's side, round the foot, pre-
viously to putting it into the Stirrup,
than to fasten it down with a clasp, or
a pin ; as, in the event of a Lady being
thrown from her Horse, the Habit dis-
engages itself with the foot.

The Skirt to the Riding Habit should
not be too long, as there is a possi-
bility of its getting between the Horse's
fore-legs, or being blown across them,
so as to check his action, and throw

112

him down. It also makes a Lady's
figure appear disproportionate.

Long veils are also dangerous on
Horseback, as they get entangled with
the Reins, confuse the Rider, and cause
her to lose the command of her Horse.

Never lift the right hand up, with
the Whip in it, to adjust the Hat; it
not only looks extremely awkward, but
will sometimes cause a Horse to shy.
Place the Whip under the thumb of
the Bridle Hand ; and should there be
a Rein in the right hand, it may either
be dropped, or placed under the fore-
finger of the Bridle Hand. This leaves
the right hand quite at liberty.

OF SADDLING AND BRIDLING
LADIES' HORSES.

Th e careless manner in which Ladies
Horses are sometimes saddled, and bri-
dled, and as they are often rendered un-
steady in consequence of some part of
their furniture being- improperly fitted, or
put on, it is hoped the following obser-
vations may not be considered out of
place, as it is a subject that requires much
more attention than is generally bestowed
upon it.

i

114

OF THE BIT.

The Bit must be so placed in the
Horse's mouth, as to allow sufficient
room for the free action of the Bridoon,
or what is commonly termed the Snaffle,
between it and the corner of the mouth.
The Bridoon must not be so short as to
gag, or curl up the corner of the mouth,
which deprives it of its true action, and
renders it in a great measure useless to
the Rider, as well as a punishment to
the Horse.

If the above rule is observed, the Bit
will be found about half way between the
single tooth called the Tush, and the
corner of the mouth, its proper situation ;
and particular attention must be paid,
that the mouth-piece is perfectly level,

115

that is, not higher on one side of the
mouth than the other.

If the Bit is lower in the mouth, the
Curb Chain loses its effect; and the Bit
is liable to be pulled sideways out of the
mouth ; the Appui is also destroyed ; and
the Horse made extremely restless, by
the unsteadiness of the Bit: neither has
the Rider half the command of the Horse
she would have, were it properly placed.

If the Bit is higher than above stated,
the Horse is rendered equally uneasy,
and perhaps restive, from the jagged state
of his mouth, and the Appui destroyed.

OF THE CURB CHAIN.

Generally speaking, the Curb Chain
should neither be too tight, nor too
i2

116

loose ; but sufficiently easy to allow two
lingers to pass freely between it, and the
Horse's beard, when the Reins are not
in hand. Some Horses require the Curb
Chain tight, and some slack; this must
be determined by the state of the Animal's
mouth.

OF THE BROW BAND.

The Brow Band, or strap which passes
directly under the Horse's ears, must be
kept down, and not suffered to confine,
or touch them, as it makes the Horse
extremely unsteady about the head.

OF THE THROAT BAND.

The Throat Band must be sufficiently
slack when the Horse's head is up, and
well placed, to allow three or four fingers
to pass freely inside of it.

117

OF THE LIP STRAP.

The Lip Strap passes from one cheek
(not the ring to which the Rein is
attached) of the Bit through a small ring
in the centre of the Curb Chain, to the
other ; and will prevent a Horse learning
the trick of taking the check of the Bit
in his mouth. If it is too short, it will
pull the Chain out of its place, so as to
render it perfectly useless.

OF THE MARTINGALE.

If a Martingale be necessary, the
Horse's head must be held up as high
as it is intended the Animal should carry
it, and the Martingale must be fitted to
the Horse, while in this position, keeping
it rather too long than too short.
i3

118

If possible, dispense with the use of
it ; but should circumstances render it
necessary to resort to one, that which is
called a Nose Martingale is the least
objectionable, as those with rings for the
Reins to run through, are the most de-
structive things ever put on a Horse.

OF THE SADDLE

Much care is necessary in the fitting
of Ladies' Saddles; but as this is in
general, or ought to be done by a Sad-
dler, the Author will confine his observa-
tions to the position in which the Saddle
should be placed on the Horse's back ;
at the same time, he begs to recommend,
when Ladies purchase new Saddles,
which have not been made expressly for
their Horses, that they should not be
used, until properly fitted by a skilful
Saddler.

J 19

It is easy to trace the shape of the
Horse's shoulders from the prominence
of the muscles ; the Saddle must, there-
fore, be kept sufficiently back, that the
motion of the shoulders may not be in-
terrupted in the slightest degree.

The Author is sorry to observe the
general, and, he may add, absurd preju-
dice existing against the use of Cruppers.
When a Horse has a low fore-hand, it
stands to reason that the Saddle must
work forward, if not kept in check by
a Crupper, or other effective means.
This is particularly the case with Ladies'
Saddles, where the weight is principally
thrown on the back part, or near the
Cantle. This lifts up the pommel, and
forces the Saddle on to the Withers.

Now when the Saddle is so misplaced,
the action of the shoulders must be

120

greatly impeded, and the Horse in con-
sequence is made to step short and
low, and go on his Shoulders, by the in-
creased weight that is thrown upon them;
whereby he is rendered liable to trip,
and is easily thrown down. When a
Saddle is in the above position, a Horse
cannot so effectually be put on his
Haunches.

The object in so strongly recommend-
ing the use of a Crupper, is for the
additional comfort and security of the
Rider; to guard against the possibility
of the Saddle working forward on the
withers, and thereby prevent the addi-
tional weight being thrown on the Horse's
shoulders, which, if suffered, would tend
to spoil his paces, and endanger the
Rider.

It would, therefore, be more judicious

121

to put up with the unfashionable and
unsightly appearance of a Crupper, than
run the risk of a severe accident.

When a Crupper is used, it must be
sufficiently slack to allow the hand to
lift it up two or three inches off the
Horse's back.

The Horse must be properly girthed
up before he is brought out of the Stable ;
and as old Horses when girthing are
apt to inflate themselves, the Saddle
must be examined the last thing before
a Lady is put on horseback : it will
often be found loose from the above
cause, although previously tight.

The Girths should never be too tight,
but only sufficiently so as to allow
three fingers to pass up and down

122

between them and the Horse's side,
with a trifling difficulty. If the fingers
pass freely up and down, the Girths
are too loose.

Tilling, i'ruiter, tiiusvt-itor How, Chelsea.

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them are hardy Greenhouse Plants, and therefore par-
ticularly adapted for the Conservatory ; many of them
will succeed in the open border, or by the side of a
Wall, to be slightly covered in Winter, and probably
without any covering in the more southern Counties. —
By Robert Sweet, F.L.S.

Also, by the same Author,

The FLORIST'S GUIDE, and CULTIVATOR'S
DIRECTORY. Number 1, for July 1, 1827, to be con-
tinued Monthly, price 3s. each. Each Number will con-
tain four correctly and highly finished coloured Figures
of the choicest Flowers cultivated by Florists, including
Tulips, Hyacinths, Carnations, Pinks, Ranun-
culus', Roses, Auriculas, &c. ; each subject will be
accompanied by its name, history, best method of cul-
ture, together with any other information likely to prove
interesting and useful ; the Drawings will be made by
E. D. Smith, Botanical Artist. The most valued sorts
will be selected from the various collections, and each
collection specified from which the Drawings are made.

The present Work may, it is presumed, be considered
a desideratum, nothing of the kind having yet been pub-
lished : that such a Work has been long wanted, the re-
peated enquiries made by Ladies and others warrant
the Proprietor in concluding ; and as the greatest pos-
sible attention will be paid to the correctness both of
engraving and colouring of the plates, the Work it is
hoped will be rendered worthy the patronage of every
lover of the beauties of nature and the arts. It will also
be found a great acquisition for Ladies Schools, combi-
ning, as it will be found, extraordinary fidelity to na-
ture with the beauties of a finished Drawing.

GERANIACE.E ; or Natural Order of the Beautiful
Family of the Geraniums. No. 90, for June 1, price 3s.
To be continued Monthly. Each Number contains four
coloured Figures, highly and correctly finished, from
living Plants, with their Scientific and English Names,
and Mode of Culture.

'•■ X£'--y~ ;V>.-;. V. -""V- . *• *"-•'■ ■■>.■■.—.->.;•,