of the direction which any given
motion of the horse will impart to the body, and a ready adaptation of
the whole frame to the proper position, before the animal has completed
his change of attitude or action;--it is that disposition of the person,
in accordance with the movements of the horse, which prevents it from an
undue inclination, forward or backward, to the right or to the left.

By the direction and motion of the horse's legs the balance is governed.
If the animal be either standing still, or merely walking
straight-forward, the body should be preserved in the simple position
which we have directed the lady to assume on taking her seat. Should it
be necessary to apply the whip, so as to make the animal quicken his
pace, or to pull him in suddenly, the body must be prepared to
accommodate itself to the animal's change of action. When going round a
corner at a brisk pace, or riding in a circle, the body should lean back
rather more than in the walking position: to the same extent that the
horse bends inward, must the body lean in that direction. If a horse shy
at any object, and either turn completely and suddenly round, or run on
one side only, the body should, if possible, keep time with his
movements, and adapt itself so as to turn or swerve with him; otherwise,
the balance will be lost, and the rider be in danger of falling, on the
side from which the animal starts. In no case, let it be remembered,
should the rider endeavour to assist herself in preserving her balance,
by pulling at the reins.

[Illustration]

AIDS AND DEFENCES.

All such motions of the body, the hands, the legs, and the whip, as
either indicate the rider's wishes, or, in some degree, assist the horse
to fulfil them, are, in the art of riding, denominated _aids_; and those
movements of the rider which tend to save the animal from disuniting
himself, or running into danger, may, properly enough, be classed under
the same title: while such as act for the preservation of the rider,
against the attempts of the horse, when headstrong or vicious, are
termed _defences_.

The aids of the hand are considered the most important: all the other
actions of the rider tending, principally, to assist the bridle-hand and
carry its operations into complete effect. There should be a perfect
harmony in the aids; and all of them ought to be governed by those of
the rein. In many instances, the power of a movement performed by the
hand may be destr