244 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



tyro in a novel position. Of course a correct seat 

 in the saddle is impossible at first, but an effort at 

 it should be made from the start. When the be- 

 ginner is placed in the saddle he should sit up 

 straight and let his legs hang down straight. Then 

 the stirrups should be adjusted so that when the 

 ball of the foot is upon the iron, the leg still being 

 straight, the heel will be about three inches below 

 the stirrup. Then the rider should be required to 

 so bend his knees that his toe and heel will be on 

 a level without moving back into the saddle so 

 that his buttocks will be against the cantle. This 

 bending of the knees will bring them in a position 

 so that they can clutch the horse and secure his 

 seat. Great emphasis should be laid upon the 

 fact that the toes should not be turned out. The 

 feet should be parallel with the horse. When they 

 are so the knees come in contact with the saddle 

 and the seat is secured. When a rider turns out his 

 toes he must depend upon the calf of the leg to 

 form his clutch. This not only is awkward, but it 

 prevents the thighs from doing their part of the 

 work. 



Being thus mounted the beginner should only 



