Graceful Riding: A Pocket Manual for Equestrians

by Samuel C. Wayte

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.

There is tact necessary in dismounting, in order that the lady may avoid the exposé and inelegance, attendant upon, as it were, being lifted from the saddle in a groom’s arms.

Previous to dismounting, the groom must stand by the horse’s head, holding the reins close to the bit, to keep him as steady as possible.

The lady having removed her foot from the stirrup, and passed her hand down to free her skirt, etc., from all chance of catching to the saddle or stirrup, should remove her knee out of the crutch; at the same time taking the precaution to disengage the habit from that side. Then holding the crutch with her right hand (the rein hanging loosely on the thumb), and now placing her left hand on her groom’s right arm, near the wrist; his arm being extended for the purpose, she must spring lightly and clear from the saddle, slightly inclining the bust towards the horse’s shoulder.