The question deals with themes of horseback riding in literature. The examples illustrate character development and plot advancement through the interaction between riders and horses, as well as riders' skills and challenges they face.
The passages provided for analysis are all centered around the theme of horseback riding and the experiences of different riders dealing with their mounts in various situations. In literature, these scenes often serve to heighten tension, develop character, or advance the plot. The excerpts mention mountaineering tactics, the riders' skill levels, and the horses' reactions which all contribute to vivid and dynamic storytelling.
Riding a horse requires not only physical ability but also a level of psychological understanding between the rider and the animal. This can be seen in phrases like '...by little and little drew in the bridle, and curbed him…' which suggest a gradual process of gaining control over the horse through gentle guidance. The other excerpts highlight different aspects of riding, such as the challenge of staying seated when the saddle is loose, the ease with which an experienced rider appears to dismount, or the urgency of a situation forcing a character to saddle up quickly.
These situations also illustrate how the intricacies of equestrian skills are intertwined with the narrative, demonstrating the characters' competence, their relationship with their horses, and the urgency of their journeys within their respective stories.