STANDING IN THE STIRRUPS. 79 



as possible. As Tom Cannon kindly pointed out to 

 me, the position should be such that the points of the 

 shoulder, knee and toe should be very nearly In the same 

 vertical line ; the whole attitude should be characterised 

 by grace and ease, like that of the celebrated jockey In 

 the accompanying drawing. The balance should be so 

 preserved by the grip of the legs, the pressure of the feet 

 on the stirrups, and the hold the rider has on the reins, 

 that the weight may be carried smoothly forward at each 

 stride, and that there may not be the slightest jolting, or 

 up-and-down movement. By riding thus, the horse's 

 muscles that are used In galloping will be enabled to act 

 to the greatest advantage. The balance should be true 

 and well maintained, so that, in the event of a stumble, 

 swerve, or any unexpected movement, the horseman 

 may be ready to throw his shoulders back, grip the 

 saddle with his knees, and " catch the horse by the 

 head " In a moment. 



The harder he pulls, the tighter should the grip of the 

 knees become, and the more should the rider lean his 

 body back. If the rider, when trying to hold his 

 horse, presses on the stirrups rather than grips with the 

 knees, the stirrups and feet will move forward, while the 

 rider's seat will be carried over the cantle, an attitude 



