Riding is one of the most general uses to? 

 which horses are appHed, and the most ele- 

 gant and healthy exercise for either a man or 

 woman. It is therefore necessary to say some- 

 thing m.ore on the subject, and to give a few- 

 general hints to those who have not properly 

 attended to this art, and which are essential to 

 their own safety and pleasure, as well as to the 

 comfort of horses. There is no attitude in 

 which a man exhibits so aukward an appear- 

 ance as when on horseback, if he be unused to 

 riding. The horses themselves are not only 

 aware of this ignorance, but also of the timidity 

 that consequently attends it; and they, in- 

 stinctively as it were, take advantage of it. 

 But by observing a proper method of mounting, 

 and being firmly seated on the saddle, this 

 aukwardness will be corrected, by sitting erect 

 with the shoulders back, and the breast and 

 belly pressed forward; the ball of the foot must 

 be placed in the stirrup, with the heels rather 

 lower than the toes, the latter pointing for- 

 ward, or turned inwardly, if in the ranks of 

 the cavalry, which will prevent the spurs be- 

 ing thrust into the horse by the persons 

 on each side when in close order. The 

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