LADIES' EQUESTRIANISM. l8l 



this is the greatest possible mistake, and there can be 

 no doubt from what is seen in private, as well as in 

 the circus, that it requires as great an effort of the 

 horse to dislodge a good female rider as to produce 

 the same effect upon a gentleman. Even with the old 

 single crutch there was a good hold with the leg, but 

 now that the third is added, the grip is really a firm 

 one. When this is not used the crutch is laid hold of 

 by the right leg, and pinched between the calf of the 

 leg and the thigh, so as to afford a firm and steady 

 hold for the whole body, especially when aided by the 

 stirrups. But this latter support merely preserves the 

 balance, and is useful also in trotting; it does not at 

 all give a firm, steady seat, though it adds to one 

 already obtained by the knee. When two crutches 

 are used the leg is brought back so far as to grasp the 

 crutch as before, but between the two knees the two 

 crutches are firmly laid hold of, the upper one being 

 under the right knee, and the lower one above the left. 

 The right knee, hooked over the crutch keeps the body 

 from slipping backwards, while the left keeps it from 

 a forward motion, and thus the proper position is 

 maintained. In all cases the right foot should be kept 

 back, and the point of the toe should scarcely be visi- 

 ble. These points should be carefully kept in view 

 by all lady riders, and they should learn as soon as 

 possible to steady themselves by this grasp of the 

 crutches without reference to the stirrup-iron. In spite 

 of her side-seat the body should be square to the front, 

 with the elbow easily bent and preserved in its proper 

 position by the same precaution. 



The whip is generally held in the right hand, with 

 the lash pointing forward and towards the left, and 

 by this position it may be used on any part of the 

 horse's body by reaching over to the left and cutting 



