LEARNING TO RIDE. 29 



without any other aid than nature has supplied him 

 with ; and it ol^liges him to keep his legs motionless, 

 for should he hold so loosely by his knees and thighs 

 as to allow his legs to move or swing backwards and 

 forwards on his saddle skirts, they would allow him to 

 roll over the one or other side of the horse, and then the 

 'hope of the family' might be turned topsy-turvy. 

 The next advantage derived from this plan is, it finally, 

 in riding terms, gives a lad hands ; for so soon as he 

 has iearned a firm seat, and got in full confidence in 

 this respect, his hands are as free and as much at liberty 

 as if standing on the ground. For, however firm he 

 may want to hold his horse by the head, to assist, 

 support, or check him, he wants no hold by his own 

 hands as a support, or stay, to his own body " (Harry 

 Hieover). 



" A firm seat is easily to be acquired without the vile 

 habit of * holding on by the bridle,' which, if once 

 contracted, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to 

 break a man of; and until that was done, he would 

 never be half a horseman " (Harry Hieover). 



If a man has to ride in a light saddle, he should 

 practise in one, for however firm he may be in a 10 or 

 12 lb. saddle, he will feel more or less uncomfortable 



