58 MECHANICAL AID OF THE RIDER. [CHAP. 



it may make the difference of its being lost or won. 

 Thus an easy race is no exertion to a jockey, but after a 

 hardly contested one, he returns with his lips parched, his 

 tongue sticking to the roof of his mouth, and every 

 muscle quivering. 



The working a horse up with both hands on his mouth 

 is easier to the jockey than using the whip, and more 

 effective in rousing the horse to his greatest exertion. 

 Standing What is called " standing on the stirrups " consists 



on the 



stirrups, chiefly in bringing the weight forward on to both thighs. 

 In this position the rider has a greater power of adjusting 

 the balance of his weight to the movements of his horse. 

 In racing it is practically proved to be essential. And it 

 is of infinite service to the horse in the long and severe 

 galloping of hunting. 



It is surprising that the English are the only people 

 who rise in the stirrup at a trot; it is not surprising 

 that other nations are beginning to follow their example. 



Difference In galloping, the horse's legs catch the eye most when 



between the 



gallop and they are from under him, and he is drawn with all 



the leap. 



