THE HUNTING SEAT. 189 



that although utility is the first consideration ; fine horse- 

 manship is usually accompanied by the possession of an easy, 

 graceful seat. 

 



THE HUNTING SEAT. 



The best position for a man to assume in the saddle when 

 riding across country or for ordinary purposes, varies so much 

 in individual cases, owing to differences in conformation, that 

 no good purpose would be served by trying to lay down rigid 

 rules as to the seat. All that can be usefully done in this 

 respect is to discuss principles which can be applied according 

 to circumstances. 



A man should ride by the combined aid of balance and 

 grip of the legs, the latter being exerted only just enough to 

 assist the former in retaining the body in proper position. In 

 this manner, any disturbing sway of the body will be 

 prevented, and the muscles of the legs of the rider will remain 

 untired, and consequently capable of gripping the saddle 

 in a moment with the tenacity of a vice, in the event of the 

 animal making any untoward movement. If grip predomi- 

 nates over balance, not only will the muscles of the legs 

 become fatigued, but the attitude will be characterised by 

 stiffness, which we all know is incompatible with good horse- 

 manship. 



Almost all the precautions of seat as far as grip is con- 

 cerned, should be taken with the view of preventing the rider 

 from being thrown forward on sudden provocation (Fig. 181). 

 The fact of the hands having hold of the reins ensures the 

 rider from falling over the horse's tail, in the event of the 

 animal starting forward from the halt or moving to the rear, 

 which, from his conformation, he is unable to do very quickly. 

 As any pull on the reins given by the horse is transmitted 

 through the arms to the shoulder joints, and as these joints 

 are at a comparatively long distance from the centre of 



