Page:Horsemanship for Women.djvu/95

Rh do the large circles on level ground at a canter. Here comes in the troublesome matter of the "leading foot," and if you do not understand it, you must not be discouraged, for many persons ride "hit or miss" their whole lives long without thinking or knowing anything about it. The expression, besides, is misleading, and you will do well to study up the subject first on straight lines. Get a friend to canter beside you, and observe the motion of his horse's feet. You will see that the two fore-feet and the two hind-feet strike the ground not only one later than the other, but one in advance of the other, and that the one which leaves the ground last steps past the other and is planted farthest forward. It is this foot taking the long stride which is called, although it moves last, the "leading foot."

It ought not to make any difference to the horse with which foot he leads, nor to his rider, if a man, so long as he follows a straight line; but whenever he has to turn, it becomes both to horse and rider of importance—if the curve is sharp, of very great importance—that he should lead on the side towards which he is to turn.

A little observation of your companion's horse when turning will make the reason clear to you. A woman's seat being on the left side of the horse, it is easier for her that the shoulder having the most motion should be on the right side, and ladies' saddle-horses are consequently trained to lead with the right foot; the result,