[Illustration]
The lady should begin to practise this pace as soon as she is tolerably
perfect in the walking lessons. It will be as well for her, at first, to
trot in a straight line: she may then work in the large circle, and
proceed, gradually, through most of the figures which she has performed
in a walk. To make the horse advance from a walk to a trot, draw upwards
the little finger of each hand (or that of the left hand only, when the
pupil has advanced enough to hold the reins in one hand), and turn them
towards the body: an animation of the leg or whip should accompany this
motion. The trot should be commenced moderately: if the horse start off
too rapidly, or increase the pace beyond the rider's inclination, she
must check him by closing the hands firmly; and, if that will not
suffice, by drawing the little fingers upwards and towards the body.
This must not be done by a jerk, but delicately and gradually; and, as
soon as the proper effect is produced, the reins are again to be
slackened. If the horse do not advance with sufficient speed, or do not
bring up his haunches well, the animations used at starting him are to
be repeated. When the horse proceeds to the trot, the lady must
endeavour to preserve her balance, steadiness and pliancy, as in the
walk. The rise in trotting is to be acquired by practice. When the
horse, in his action, raises the rider from her seat, she should advance
her body, and rest a considerable portion of her weight on the right
knee; by means of which, and by bearing the left foot on the stirrup,
she may return to her former position without being jerked; the right
knee and the left foot, used in the same manner, will also aid her in
the rise. Particular attention must be paid to the general position of
the body while trotting: in this pace, ordinary riders frequently rise
to the left, which is a very bad practice, and must positively be
avoided. The lady should also take care not to raise herself too high;
the closer she maintains her seat, consistently with her own comfort,
the better.