THE SEAT. 51 



Though we have not yet got so far as the trot, I shall here 

 refer to a very objectionable fore and aft pendulum move- 

 ment of the leg from the knee downwards which grinds the 

 calf of the leg against the saddle flaps to the detriment of 

 both. Sometimes the knee takes part in this odious un- 

 workmanlike " swag " friction motion. 



There is a prevalent idea that tall men soon tire their 

 horses, but as much more of the weight in such cases is 

 carried below the stirrup bars than in those of men of less 

 length of limb, this notion will not bear investigation. Why 

 they tire their horses sooner is that their elongated stature 

 brings with it an increase of weight ; the shorter the length, 

 in the absence of rotundity, the easier it is kept stationary ; 

 but some of our best cross-country performers have been 

 over six feet in their stocking soles. Mr. Thomas Assheton 

 Smith, the mightiest hunter that ever wore a horn at his 

 saddle bow, was a twelve stone man, five feet ten inches 

 high, athletic, well-proportioned, very muscular, but slight. 



Before discussing the proper length of stirrup, I would 

 say a few words on the important subject of riding without 

 stirrups. If a man contemplates becoming a perfect horse- 

 man, and will not be content with mediocrity, he must 

 accustom himself to regard the stirrup as a mere accessory 

 support, and not as an absolute necessity. In my remarks 

 on early tuition, I have endeavoured to explain the several 

 advantages claimed for this ancient mode of riding. The 

 cavalry recruit is permitted the use of stirrups for a short 

 time only after having had some forty lessons. He is taught 

 to leap without stirrups, and the more he rides without them 

 the greater is his strength, the closer the grip and the better 

 the balance. It is only towards the close of his long spell 

 of instruction that he is permitted to ride with stirrups and 

 to take up his bit rein. No horseman can have perfect 



