Principles of modern riding, for ladies

Front matter

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J.dl.&rwif,

Section II. — Of the Kinds of Trot 115

Section lil. — Of the Trot in particular .... 117 Section IV. — Of Turns, Stops, &c. in the

Trot 121

Chap. III. Of the Gallop 125

Section I. — Of the Gallop in general, and of

its Kinds 125

CONTENTS. XIll

Page

Section II. — Of the Canter in particular ... 12B Section III. — Of Turns, Stops, &c, in the Gallop 136

Section VI.— Of Adjusting the Reins 186

Section VII.— Of the Position of the Hand. 188 Section VIII. — Of the Management of the Curb 190

Chap. H. Of the Stirrup 191

DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THE PLATES.

Plate

Page

I. Parts of the Horse 1

II. Preparing to Mount 27

III. Preparing to Mount 29

IV. Mounting 29

V. Mounting 29

VI. Seat facing the Title.

VII. Dismounting 34

VIII. Dismounting 35

IX. Dismounting 35

X. Dismounting 35

XL Dismounting 35

XIL Seat 47

XIII. Changes and Demivolts 102

XIV. Changes and Demivolts 104

XV. Stop 108

XVI. Trot 123

XVII. Cantering 127

XVIII. Cantering 127

XIX. Cantering 127

XX. Lesson of the Circle 148

XXI. Leaping 152

XXII. Leaping 156

XXIII. Leaping 160 iL-

OF

MODERN RIDING.

Part I. Of The Horse And Its Equipments

L. B

PART I.

OF THE HORSE AND ITS EQUIPMENTS.

CHAPTER I. OF THE lady's HORSE AND HIS NATURAL PACES

A lady's Horse should, in the first place, be good tempered and willing (for a sluggish horse is the most unpleasant of any), but he should be no wise choleric, or impatient in company. He should, secondly, be smooth in all his paces. He should, thirdly, be steady and safe on the road. With these natural qualifications, he should, fourthly, be suitably dressed or broke for a Lady's riding, that is, properly suppled and united, particularly to gallop with the right leg, and the mouth made

B 2

PRINCIPLES OF P. I.

light and obedient. These are the essential properties of a Lady's Horse.

If, however, a Horse possessed every quality requisite for a good horsewoman, a Lady of timid disposition would be so alarmed at tlie sprightly action and delicate sensibility of his mouth, that she could not forbear cringing; and, against this, it is necessary to guard, for the cringing of the body, always to the near side, and also that of the hand, makes the horse restless and uncomfortable.

The natural paces of the Horse are the Walk, the Trot, and the Gallop. These are all distinguished hj the action of the legs and the beats of the feet, which mark a sharp, flat, slow, quick, or rapid time.

I. The Walk is the inost languid pace, being performed with less exertion than the others.

The action of the Walk is that motion of the leo-s in which one at a time is off the ground and three on ; marking four distinct beats, as each foot in rotation comes to the ground in the following order : — The ofll' fore foot, leading first, marks one ; the near hind foot, two ; the near fore foot, three ; and the off hind foot, four.

Here, though the feet follow each other quickly, yet the languor of the action makes the beats fiat.

II. The Trot is a more animated pace, proceeding from the Walk ; for when we animate the Horse too much, or urge him to proceed faster than he can by moving one leg after the other, we oblige him to take up two at a time.

In the Trot, the off fore foot and near hind foot mark one beat ; and the near fore foot and off hind foot mark another beat ; so that in this action there are two legs crosswise off the ground, and two legs on, which in their alternate chanoe of situation mark the time of one, two.

Here, as the action is animated, the beats are sharp and quick, in proportion to the degree of animation and extension.

III. The Gallop is a pace of still higher animation, and more exertion than the Trot, and proceeds from the Trot, as the Trot does from the AValk ; for when we press a horse in the Trot beyond his capacity, or animate him with the legs while we retain him with the hand, we compel him to raise his two fore legs after each other, which commences the action of the Gallop.

The action of the Gallop is in the following order, when leading with the right leg. — The near fore foot is first raised from the around : then the off fore foot. These come to the ground in the same order. The near fore foot marks one beat, or time : the off fore foot, passing the other, while both are in the air, comes to the ground more forward, is the leading foot, and marks the second beat. The hind feet follow in like manner. The near hind foot marks a third beat; and the off hind foot, passing, comes to the ground more forward, and marks a fourth beat. Thus the action of the Gallop is by means of the two fore legs leading close after each other ; and the hind legs immediately following in like order.

Here, when the Gallop is united and true, the feet mark a regular, sharp, and quick time, of one, two, three, four.

IV. The Amble may perhaps be considered as a natural pace of the horse ; because most foals followino- their dams amble more or less to keep up with them. The difference between the walk and the amble is, that two less of a side are raised in the latter at one and the same instant, and so on vice versa.

PRINCIPLES OP p. I.

CHAP. 11.

OF THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE.

Section I.— Of the Saddle

The Saddle must be considered first with relation to the horse, and secondly with relation to the rider.

I. With regard to the horse, the Saddle prevents the friction he would endure if barebacked, or if he had merely a cloth on ; and it distributes the weight of the rider to the parts most capable of bearing it.

Without a Saddle, the horse would sustain the weight in the middle and weakest part of the back ; but with a Saddle, the rider's weight is distributed, as the Saddle has bearings before and behind, but none in the middle.

Hence it is evident that the Saddle should be proportioned to the size of the horse ; the bearings before being clear of interference with the plate-bone, and not extending further behind than within four inches of the hips.

The bearing of the Saddle should be equal on every part that it is intended to touch; and the closer it comes, so that neither the weight of the rider nor settling of the pannel can bring it to injure the withers or chine, the better.

If a Saddle do not fit, the pannel cannot be stuffed so as to insure its not injuring the horse ; and where it does fit, superfluous stuffing should be avoided, as causing the saddle to shift its place, &c.

II. With regard to the rider, it must be observed, that a Saddle may form a most unpleasant seat for her, though it fit the horse.

The best test of the propriety or adaptation of the seat is when the rider, without the stirrup and without effort, easily falls into and keeps her proper situation in the Saddle ; for when the seat is improperly shaped, she will be shifted and placed insecurely.

A Lady^s Saddle requires particular exactness in fitting, or the horse will be cruelly galled by it. It should be very deep in the points, and should sit close from the top of the bearing to the extreme ends of the points. The manner in which a Lady rides will ever give the Saddle a preponderance to the near side, at which time the Saddle is sustained by the point on the near side, and the bearing on the off, which may be compared to a hook ; the depth and closeness of the near point, preventing the bearing on the off side unhookino itself. The closer the pommel comes down to the withers, so that neither weight nor settlement can make it touch, the better; and a trifling easement may be given on the off side of the pommel, but not to extend to any part where the bearing should be, lest you loosen that hold which sustains the Saddle.

Ladies' Saddles, when properly fitted, will not require cruppers more than gentlemen's, but the girths crossed from the hind part of the Saddle to the front, will keep them more steady ; or a strap from the hind part of the Saddle to the fore girth on the off side, may prevent the Saddle twisting to the near side, as it usually does.

The seat of a Lady's Saddle, exclusive of the head, is differently formed from the gentleman's. A deep hollowness in the centre of the seat is unnecessary ; the seat is stuffed on each side full, that the rider may be less liable to slide to the near side ; and particular regard should be had that the Saddle is proportioned to the size of the Lady, for a tall Lady, though ever so slim and light, must not have a short Saddle, because she cannot keep herself from off the cantle.

The modern Ladies' Saddles, exclusive of the heads, are made high in the pommel; the intention being to prevent the seat from shifting forward, on even ground, or small declivities, which it unavoidably will in riding down steep hills ; and when the seat is thus thrown forward, the knee loses its grasp, which is the lady's principal security. The head of the modern Saddle, which is the part that receives the knee, is made high (from six to eight inches), which secures the knee from being displaced by any little unexpected roughness, that sometimes unavoidably happens. The head is also placed more upright, or over to the oft* side, which assists the lady in keeping her centre in the Saddle, and not hanging to the near side. Beside this, the modern Saddle has a flap on the near side before, which preserves the habit from the sweat of the horse, and the leg from the front of the Saddle. The inside of this flap is sometimes lined with flannel for the accommodation of the horse ; and the outside with hog-skin, stuffed for the accommodation of the rider. The head, and every part of the Lady's Saddle, should be stuffed, to render it as comfortable as possible.

The Ladies' Saddles, made by Jackson, are the only ones a Lady can safely and comfortably use. The great improvement of their external form is not their only recommendation : their maker seems to be the only man who can adapt a Lady's Saddle equally to the horse and the rider. Their materials, workmanship, durability, and cheapness are equally remarkable.

Section II. — Of the Bridle

The Bridle consists of reins and a bit ; for the latter term may be applied to any piece of metal introduced into the horse's mouth for the purpose of restraint.

I. A short iron rod, made rather wider than the mouth of the horse, and provided with a hook or ring at each extremit}^ for fastening the reins to, affords us an instance perhaps of the greatest possible simplicity in the construction of a bit; and such a one only slightly curved forwards, to allow more liberty for the tongue, is at present in general use for the heavier kind of draft horses.

A rod similar to the former, broken in two pieces, and connected by a joint in themiddle, is the next in point of simplicit}^, and is in common use for horses of li^ht draft, as in those employed for the curricle, coach, &c.

1. The next in point of farther complication of parts, and which scarcely can be said to differ from the former, is the common snaffle. This is provided with two cross pieces which rest against the lips or sides of the mouth externally ; for as the snaffle is intended for the saddle horse, and the reins go to the hands, these cross pieces are useful in preventing the bit from being drawn lhroug;h the mouth.

MODERN RIDTNG. 15

The distinction between a bridon and snaffle is insignificant ; for on all occasions the cross pieces of the latter are most convenient, and the bridon is merely an imperfect snaffle.

To give the greatest ease possible, a large and highly polished bit is necessary.

On the other hand, to give the greatest degree of severity to the mouth piece of the snaffle, it is twisted while hot into a spiral form, and is made to present by this means a sharp, rough, and unequal surface to the jaw, being capable, according to the degree of sharpness to which the edges are wrought, of pressing the bars or lips with greater or less severity. The different degrees of punishment which this kind of bit is capable of inflicting, will perhaps be found sufficient for all the purposes of correction.

2. The next kind of bit in use for horses is the curbed bit, which, as it is an instrument of much greater complication of parts than the snaffle, so it appears to have been of comparatively recent date.

Stripped of all unnecessary trappings, this instrument consists of the followino- essential parts : — a mouth piece ; two side branches, or inflexible rods of iron, firmly fixed to the former ; a chain passing from side to side, behind the chin, including the jaw ; two eyes or rings at the upper extremity of these branches, serving to fasten them to the headstall, to stay them in the mouth, and having the chain attached to them; and two other rings at the lower extremity of the above branches receiving the reins which pass to the hand. These are all the parts really necessary to constitute the curb.

The bits thus formed being placed in the mouth, and the chain passed round the lower jaw, the branches, it will be readily seen, become powerful levers when drawn backwards, acting upon the mouth piece as a centre, and squeezing, by means of the chain, whatever interposes between it and the mouth piece, with a force equal to the length of the lever afforded by the lower branch.

This force, it will be perceived, is regulated not only by the length of the lever below the mouth piece, but also by the greater or less distance at which the chain is placed from it. The chain is usually fixed to the eye of the cheek piece, where the head stall is fastened: if, therefore, this part is very long, it is evident that it must moderate or counteract the power and effect of the lower end of the branch, and render it less severe, by bringing the centre of motion nearer to the middle of the lever.

It appears manifest, from the construction of this instrument, that its whole force is exerted upon the jaw itself, and that it has power to pinch the bars with cruel violence, even to the fracture of the bone ; and this with very powerful branches has sometimes happened. It can also bruise and totally destroy the tender covering of the inside of the mouth, and the skin beneath the jaw.

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From considering its mode of operating, it might reasonably be doubted whether it does in reality stop the horse by its power and opposed force, as is generally conceived at present, or rather by the severity of the pain it inflicts ; for should the horse arm himself against this, it is totally insufficient to arrest his course ; of which instances occur in runaway horses every day.

The most useful bit of the curbed kind appears to be the Weymouth bit, which is at present in common use for draft horses of light work, as for carriages, coaches, &c. It consists of a strong, plain mouth piece, of uniform thickness throughout, without any upset or jeive, but is simply curved forwards, to give liberty to the tongue. This kind of construction is the simplest perhaps that the curb admits of.

The easier, simpler, and lighter a bit is in all its parts, provided it produces the desired effect, the better and more agreeable it will be.

II. As to the Reins, we need only observe, that their centres should be accurately marked ; but when, by both reins being held in one hand, the near or left rein has to pass under the little finger and on the outside of the right rein over the forefinger, this should cause the right rein to be held from half to three quarters of an inch shorter, and the centre to come proportionally toward the left.

III. It remains for us to notice the proper application and adjustment of these bits to the horse's mouth.

In adjusting the Bridle on the horse, the headstall must be of such length as to admit the mouth piece of the bit to rest on the bars, a little above the tush ; the bridon a little shorter, but not so high as to wrinkle the corner of the mouth, and the throat-lash buckled rather loose, to admit the horse when going to bridle his head. The mane is usually cut close where the headstall comes, and the finger should clear any part of the mane, or

c 2 foretop, that may interfere with it. The foretop, when combed smooth, may be put over or under the front. The curb is the last thing adjusted, and though a trifling variation may be proper, according to the manner the horse carries his head, we may set down that which suits the generality of horses.

The curb chain is to pass under the bridon. Therefore, put your right hand under the bridon reins, to take hold of the curb chain; and, with the left, put two fingers w^ithin the cheek of the bit, and with your thumb take hold of the curb hook. The end links of the curb chain being in your right hand, turn the chain to the right, or as you would turn a screw, till every link lies smooth and flat, as though it was a strap, and then without losing a half turn, put that link on the hook which appears to be most appropriate, i. e. neither tight nor slack, and examine how the branch operates. If the branch has liberty to move forty-five degrees and no more, it is the extent most proper ; but a few degrees, more or less, are not to be regarded.

Nevertheless, if one link of the chain confines it to thirty-five degrees, and putting it one link looser gives it liberty to fifty-five degrees, the manner your horse carries his head must determine which of the links is most proper. If the horse naturally carry his nose high, let the branch have fifty-five degrees ; if he bring his nose in, thirty-five will be best.

If there is a chain-strap, the strap must be placed so high on the branch, that when passed through the ring in the curb-chain, it must be buckled to such tightness as to preclude the possibility of the horse lodging the branch on his tooth. Unnecessary tightness should be avoided, as it renders the bit less comfortable to the horse.

When a horse can stop readily and with ease, when his head is constant and steady, and he is light and firm in the hand, and so supple as to be able to obej^ it in all its motions with ease and readiness, he gives ample proofs that the bit is properly adjusted,, and fitted to his mouth, and that he is reconciled.

22 MODERN RIDING. P. I.

and even pleased with the power it exercises over him : on the contrary, if he open his mouth as if he was gagged, if he writhe and twist his jaws, if he draw up his tongue above the mouth piece, or thrust it out of his mouth sideways, if he retain himself or run backward, if he carry his head very low, and endeavour to force the hand, if he fear the impression of the bit, have no appui, toss his head up and down, or refuse to advance and go forward, interrupting his manege with various disorders, he gives evident reason to suspect that the bit is not properly adapted to his mouth, and hurts it, either within side or without.

OF

MODERN RIDING.

Part II. Of Mounting, Dismounting, Etc

PART II.

OF MOUNTING, DISMOUNTING, ETC.

CHAP. I.

OF MOUNTING.

Section I. — Preliminary.

The pupil should be brought forward by degrees, and with due preparation. Her lessons should be short and gentle, as well with a view to her gradual progress, as to prevent injury from too great exertion.

Some teachers so much regard this progression, that before they place a Lady on horseback, they make her execute, and that with facility, lessons with the bridle and sad-

26 PRINCIPLES OF P. II.

die alone ; and these occupy her attention several days.

• The early lessons are given with a snaffle bridle, on a well trained and steady horse.

The first instructions are those of Mounting and Dismounting.

Section II. — Of Mounting.

Whatever the disposition of a horse may be, he should be approached apparently in good temper. Horses know by appearance whether the rider is angry or pleased, bold or timid, handy or awkward. A soothing tone of voice and caresses are pleasing; and to such as are unsteady, or have a dislike to be mounted, it helps to dispel their fears. Young horses especially should therefore be thus gently treated, and much encouraged.

Before Mounting, it is proper to observe whether the saddle is rightly placed, the girths secure and not too tight (for many horses n

0^1 are apt to plunge when they are), the bridle fitly on, and the curb, when used, smoothly placed.

Let the assistant adjust the reins of the bit smoothly, and of equal length, taking it up within the bridon rein, and dividing the reins with the forefinger of his left hand.

The Lady receives the reins from him with her right hand, just before the pommel of the saddle, the whip being in it, which passes over to the off side.

The Lady puts her forefinger between the reins, gently letting them slip,, not to disturb the horse, till her hand rests and lays hold on the near crutch or pommel of the saddle. — Plate IL

She stands then close to the horse, upright, with the face half turned from the saddle. The assistant places himself before her, and, where practice has been wanting to make either expert at this business, it will be best

28 PllINClEVLES OF I'. II.

for the assistant to place both his hands together by the intersection of his fingers. He then stoops to receive the lady's left foot, which must be placed full and firm on his hands.

The Lady then places her left hand on his right shoulder, by which, and the hold she has on the pommel of the saddle, she steadies herself, while she bears all her weight on the assistant's hands, straightening the left knee and keeping it firm.

Should the Lady be heavy or inactive, the more particular care is requisite in both : — on the Lady's part, that she bear her weight centrically and perpendicularly in the hands, not putting her foot forward as she raises it, by which she would shove the person from her : on the assistant's, that he place himself in such manner that the Lady may be between him and the saddle, his face directed so that he can stoop to assist the Lady without removing himself to a distance ; for the closer he stands, the greater his power to assist.

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The assistant must not attempt to raise the Lady till the right foot has quitted the ground, and the left knee is nearly straight : otherwise he will prevent the Lady from raising herself in his hand. Plate III.

The assistant now, by raising himself, raises the Lady to the saddle, where she pauses while the assistant places the stirrup on her left foot. Plate IV.

This done, the Lady shifts her right hand from the near crutch of the pommel, to the off crutch of the pommel ; and the assistant places his right hand under the Lady's left arm, by the support of which, and the hold she has with her right hand, she will raise herself upright in the stirrup.

The assistant with his left hand draws the clothes next the saddle forward. Plate V.

This being done, the Lady places her right knee over the pommel of the saddle, and then seats herself. Plate VI.

30 PRINCIPLES OF P. II.

By this mode, if properly attended to, you will find several inconveniences avoided, such as the binding of the clothes under the right knee, the difficulty of raising the knee over the high pommels now in use, &c.

Should the clothes want any adjustment behind, the Lady with her left hand takes hold of the assistant's left hand, her right hand having hold of the pommel, and raising herself forward, the assistant at the instant with his right hand, adjusts them smoothly.

When Ladies become expert horsewomen, they can adjust their clothes when the\^ become uncomfortable, without assistance, and consequently are not necessitated to have their clothes pinned. This they can do when riding at any pace, or standing still, at their pleasure.

The method of doing it is to take the reins in the right hand as directed when Mounting, holding by the oif crutch or pommel of the saddle, and raising yourself up. The action of the horse, if moving, will then considerably assist you. With your left hand, each time you rise, pull and shake your clothes down, and endeavour to raise yourself as high as you can for that purpose.

When the clothes rise before, it may be necessary to remove the knee from the pommel. This few Ladies choose to do, nor is it advisable but when the horse stands still, or is only in a slow walk. You then, having hold as before, and leaning the body back — but raising yourself upright in the stirrup is best — remove your knee, and thus standing, let the garments fall down by a momentary shifting of any part that presses them to the saddle ; which done, place your knee again, and seat yourself.

Pouches in the skirts of the habit, with leads in them, are very convenient ; the habit then flows more gracefully than when pinned ; and the petticoats may be pinned under the skirt, if the Lady prefer it.

S2 PRINCIPLES OF P. II.

Ladies who ride should have their hair very firmly and closely dressed, and their hats pinned, so as to prevent their being moved by the motion of the wind or the horse, or the brims flapping over their eyes ; for either of these not only greatly embarrasses the rider, but prevents her seeing how to guide her horse.

Section III. — Of Disposi?ig the Reins

The pupil should then divide the Reins, placing them between the third and fourth fingers of each hand, the end of the reins being thrown over the forefingers, the thumbs closed on them, and the fingers shut.

When afterwards further advanced, she holds the Reins in the left hand.

Chap. II. Of Dismounting*

Ladies dismount their horses with, and occasionally without, assistance.

In either case, they first shift the reins to the right hand, and apply it to the off crutch of the saddle.

The gentleman officiates, if present, in clearing the Lady's clothes from the pommel of the saddle, as the Lady raises her knee over.

Taking the stirrup from the foot, the Lady then shifts her rio;ht hand to the near crutch of the pommeL

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34 PRINCIPLES OF P. II.

In whatever manner the Lady may choose to dismount, it is necessary to be careful that the clothes are off the pommel of the saddle, and the stirrup free of any entanglement.

I. If the Lady is alert and active, she may dismount very gracefully by giving her left hand into the gentleman's left hand ; and, springing just sufficiently to clear the saddle, she will alight on the balls of the feet, with the knees a little bent, so as to drop a small curtsy, which will prevent any jar which might otherwise take place.

The gentleman must have his right hand ready to apply under the Ladj^'s left arm as she alights. Thus he may not only lighten her down, but prevent any accident that might occur by the Lady's foot alighting on any thing that might occasion her to slip. Plate VII.

II. Should the Lady not choose to springin this manner from the horse, she will lean r K/in%A .:

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I ll ll ,\ n forward, and the gentleman will receive her with a hand under each arm, and lighten her to the ground. Plate VIII.

III. AVhen the Lady dismounts without help, after clearing her stirrup, and every thing as above described, she turns herself to the right in such manner that she may lay hold, with her left hand, of a large lock of the horse's mane, keeping hold at the same time of the near side of the pommel. Plate IX.

She then springs from the horse to clear her clothes. Plate X. *

She alights on the balls of her feet, with her knees a little bent, for the purpose before directed, and her face to the horse's withers, keeping fast hold with both hands till she is firm and secure on her feet. Plate XI.