Graceful Riding: A Pocket Manual for Equestrians

by Samuel C. Wayte

Of all the paces, the walk is the easiest to the rider, provided he sits in the centre of his horse’s back, as it consists of an alternate depression of the fore and hind quarters.

The motion may be compared to the vibration of the beam of a pair of scales. The walk should be light, firm, and quick; the knee must be moderately bent, the leg should appear suspended in the air for an instant, and the foot fall perfectly flat to the ground.

It is very difficult to confine young and mettlesome horses to a walk; great good temper, with a firm light hand, are requisite to accomplish this. When such horses change to a trot they should be stopped for a minute or two, and then allowed to proceed again. If the animal carries his head well, ride him with a moderately loose rein, raising the hand when he tries to break into a trot.

THE TROT.

The trot is allowed, by professionals, to be the only just basis upon which equestrians can ever attain a secure and graceful seat, combined with confidence and firmness. The rider has more control over the motions of his body in this pace than any other: in this the body is well brought down into the saddle by its own weight, and finds its true equilibrium. When the rider wishes to make his horse trot, let him ease his reins and press the calves of his legs gently; when his horse is at a trot, let him feel both his reins, raise his horse’s forehand, and keep his haunches well under him.

THE CANTER.

The rider must have a light and firm feeling of both reins to raise his horse’s forehand; at the same time, with a pressure of both calves, to bring the animal’s quarters well under him, having a double feeling of the inward rein, and a strong pressure of the outward leg, to cause him to strike off in unison.

At all times the horse should be taught to lead off with EITHER fore leg; by doing so his legs will not be so much shaken, especially the off fore leg, which is the one he most generally leads off on. This must be the case when he is continually throwing the greater part of his weight upon the leading fore leg, as it comes to the ground, which causes lameness of the foot, and strains the back sinews of the legs. Being thoroughly taught to change his legs, the horse is better enabled to perform long journeys, with facility and comfort both to himself and his rider.

TURNING.

In the turn either to the right or left, the reins must be held quite evenly, so that the horse may be immediately made to feel the aid of the rider’s hands; he (the rider) must then have a double feeling on the inward rein, also retaining a steady feeling on the outward; the horse being kept up to the hand by a pressure of both legs, the outward leg being the stronger.