194 



invariable principles, on which may be grounded a sure and infaUible 



method, 



I proceed to Mr. Adams's explanation, and the grounds of his pre- 

 cepts :— Unless the thighs be turned inAvard from the hips, they will 

 not have that muscular grasp or hold which is indispensible to the 



seat. 



If the knee be suffered to go forward or rise, the muscles of the thigh 

 lose their effect, and the knee only pinches, which is not the intention; 

 for the muscles of the thighs are to act as springs, taking a moderate and 

 pleasant hold of the saddle ; not so loose that the action of the Horse 

 can remove the thighs from their places ; nor yet so tight, as unneces- 

 sarily to fatigue the muscles, or prevent that motion, which the action 

 of the Horse gives to the rider's body, vibrating in its balance. The 

 muscles thus act as springs, to break the shock or jolt, which the body 

 receives from being fixed upon the fork or tAvist. 



The muscles likewise, by practice, act involuntarily, or instinctively, 

 in preserving the balance, thus : when the body is a little thrown to 

 ©ne side, on the next motion, the muscular force of the opposite thigh 

 Tecovers the balance, which, by this nice, and as it were, instinctive 

 action of the muscles, is constantly preserved. 



The bending of the knee, as directed, brings the calves of the legs 

 near to the Horse's sides, which they are not to touch ; because, in that 

 case, the legs would perform the functions of the thighs, which they 

 ought never to do, but on the impracticability of otherwise maintaining 

 the seat, as when a Horse plunges, kicks, or leaps. 



Farther, were the legs to continue on the Horse's sides, the efficacy 

 of the aids would be thereby destroyed. On the other hand, if the 

 knee be straight, the foot will be forward, and the legs too distant from 

 the Horse's sides, by which the rider would be exposed to danger, 

 were the Horse suddenly to turn round, fly out of the road, or plunge : 

 because the calves of the legs are occasional auxiliaries to secure the 

 seat, and if too distant, the seat may be lost before their assistance can 

 be obtained. 



Supporting the toe gives strength and firmness to the muscles of the 

 legs and thighs. 



The 



