n in the first attempts. The friend, or groom, may also, by his
advice, materially assist the learner in her progress.

It would be needless for us to repeat our advice as to the manner of
mounting, holding the reins, making the horse advance, stop, turn, &c.,
or the proper disposition of the body and limbs: all these, in her early
lessons, the pupil should gradually practise.

[Illustration]

THE WALK.

Let the pupil walk the horse forward in a straight line, and at a slow
rate, supporting his head in such a manner as to make him keep time in
the beats of his pace; but not holding the reins so tight as to impede
the measurement of his steps, or to make him break into a trot on being
slightly animated. The hand should be so held, that it may delicately,
but distinctly, feel, by the operation of the horse's mouth on the
reins, every beat of his action. If he do not exert himself
sufficiently, he should be somewhat animated. Should he break into a
trot, he must be checked by the reins; but the pull must neither be so
firm nor continued as to make him stop. The moment he obeys the rein and
drops into a walk, the hand is to be relaxed. Should he require
animating again, the movement for that purpose must be more gentle than
before, lest he once more break into a trot.

[Illustration]

After walking in a straight line for a short time, the lady should
practise the turn to the right and to the left; alternately using both
hands in these operations, in the manner directed in a previous page.
She must observe, that when she pulls the right rein in order to turn
the horse on that side, the other hand must be relaxed and lowered, or
advanced, to slacken the left rein and ease the horse's mouth, and _vice
versa_.

If the horse do not readily obey the hand in turning, or bring forward
his croup sufficiently, he must be urged to throw himself more on the
bit, by an animation of the leg or whip. The animations, during the
first lessons, should be commenced with great gentleness, and the rider
will easily discover, by a little experience, to what degree it is
necessary to increase them, in order to procure obedience. This
observation should be attended to, were it only for the pupil's safety;
for, if she begin with her animations above the horse's spirit, his
courage will be so raised as to endanger, or, at least, alarm her, and
thus render what would otherwise be an agreeable exercise, unpleasant.

After the pupil h