112 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



saddle without deranging the seat or the position of the thighs and 

 stroke the horse on the left haunch with the right hand, taking care to 

 avoid opening out the left elbow or pulling on the reins. 



Rotation of the arm: At the command ROTATE THE RIGHT 

 ARM VERTICALLY, extend the arm upward, palm to the front; then 

 drop the arm to the rear and describe slowly and with uniform move- 

 ment a vertical circle, keeping the head erect and high while the arm is 

 descending. 



Rotation of the thigh: At the command ROTATE THE RIGHT 

 THIGH, remove the knee from the saddle and carry it back, straighten- 

 ing the leg; turn the knee in as much as possible and then, replacing 

 the thigh flat upon the saddle, draw it forward to its normal position 

 with much friction in order to press the thick muscles to the rear and 

 to permit the femur to rest solidly against the saddle. 



Raising the thighs: At the command RAISE THIGHS, raise the 

 knee only so much as is necessary to detach the thighs and lower legs 

 from the saddle, and incline the upper part of the body slightly back- 

 ward. If the rider is sitting too far back in the saddle, the instructor 

 directs him to draw himself forward by gras])ing the pommel. 



This position compels the rider to supple his body in order to keep 

 his seat. 



When his equilibrium is well established the rider gently replaces his 

 thighs upon the saddle, being careful to keep his loins in the same posi- 

 tion as during the movement. 



This exercise fixes the loins in place and puts them in proper position 

 to maintain the balanced seat. It is executed only at a walk, slow trot 

 or canter. 



Flexion of the leg: At the command ELEX THE RIGHT LEG, 

 bend the leg slowly without deranging the position of the knee or that 

 of the body. 



Flexion of the ankle: At the command CIRCLE THE RIGHT 

 FOOT, trace with the toe of the designated foot, by a slow and uniform 

 movement, a vertical circle from outward inwardly, and from below 

 upward, without disturbing the position of the leg. The circle with the 

 right foot is made clockwise ; with the left foot contraclockwise. 



To vault into the saddle and to the ground: At the command 

 VAULT INTO THE SADDLE, take position (Prepare to Alount). 

 except that the left foot is not inserted in the stirrup; spring upward 

 and forward, bearing the weight uj)on the extended arms; remain a 

 moment in this position then throw the right leg, knee bent, over the 

 croup without touching it and sit down lightly in the saddle. Take a 

 rein in each hand. 



To vault to the ground: At the command VALTLT TO THE 

 GROUND, take position (Prepare to Dismount). Rise upon the ex- 

 tended arms ; pass the right leg, knee bent, over the croup without 

 touching it. carry it to the side of the left; remain a moment in this 

 position and come lightly to the ground, the heels joined, the knees 

 bent. Take the position of stand to horse. 



