30 HORSEMANSHIP. 



and insecure In a racing or light steeplechase one unless 

 he be accustomed to it. 



If the rider has to " get-up " in ordinary trousers, he 

 may wind a flannel stable bandage about each knee to 

 save the inside of it from getting cut, and to prevent 

 the trousers from rucking up. The bandage is rolled 

 above and below the knee and is secured with the tapes, 

 while the knee cap is left free. When thus put on, it 

 braces the knee and affords the rider a firm grip on the 

 flaps of the saddle. Knee pads of a couple of thicknesses 

 of leather, made to cover the insides of the knees, each 

 one being provided with a couple of straps and buckles, 

 are very convenient for the same purpose. 



A beginner, when he feels insecure in his saddle, has 

 often a strong tendency to steady himself by catching 

 hold of the pommel, or even of the mane. If he requires 

 some adventitious aid, he may be excused for putting 

 one hand back and catching hold of the cantle of the 

 saddle, for, by doing so, he will be enabled to keep his 

 body from going forward, which is naturally the cause 

 of ninety-nine falls in a hundred. If, however, he grasps 

 the pommel or the mane, the fact of his doing so will 

 cause the weight of his body to be carried forward ; he 

 will then, although probably able to preserve his balance 



