When we have succeeded in trotting for five minutes to each hand without fatigue, and, above all things, without the horse " breaking," we can make him go faster. We should, however, avoid abruptly passing from the short cadenced trot to the fast long trot, which would upset his balance, and would unexpectedly throw a considerable weight on his shoulders. At first we should increase the speed of the pace only towards the end of a turn at the trot. During the last couple of turns round the school, for example, we may act vigorously with the legs, while taking only a light support on the snaffle reins, the action of which should be limited simply to keeping the head in place.

By practising these exercises we shall succeed in making the horse do all he can at the trot, as regards high action and speed.

Above all things, we ought to avoid trying to make the horse trot faster than he can do ; for such an attempt will probably teach him the false and ugly gait of trotting in front and cantering behind.

There are two ways of riding at the trot, namely, the French (bumping in the saddle) and English (rising in the saddle). The former is of no practical use, although it is an absolutely indispensable school exercise,^[1] for giving a good seat to beginners when they trot without stirrups ; but I disapprove of it for all other purposes. It is fatiguing to the rider, and still more to the horse. I cannot understand why it has been used for such a long time in the army.

When we rise at the trot there are neither jerks nor reactions. The rider should have his loins slightly bent, and consequently the upper part of his body should be inclined a little forward. He should not try by rising to follow or to anticipate the movements of the horse, but should let himself be raised. His ankle joints and knees acting together will