22 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



and true ribs, just behind the shoulders, where a strong 

 grip will not unduly excite him, providing the ankles 

 and spurs are kept awa}^ from the sides ; but as it is 

 difficult at first to control the spurs, beginners should 

 keep the knees turned in, and never turn them out, so 

 that the legs can be closed in without the rowels of the 

 spurs touching the sides. Moreover, when riding 

 highly trained horses, the seat with the toes turned 

 slightly out and the weight on the back of the saddle 

 has a marked collecting effect, but it is necessary for 

 the extended paces to turn the knees in and to lean 

 slightly forward. 



Grip, when necessary to secure the seat or to support 

 the horse, should be applied by the back half of the 

 sides of the knees and the upper part of the calves ; 

 at other times the legs should just feel the horse, not 

 squeeze him, except when impulsion is wanted, in 

 which case, as M. Barroil says, they should press the 

 horse from knees to heels. 



The horse will show greatei or less sensibility, 

 according as the legs touch him below the " swell " 

 of the ribs, or against it, on the flanks, or over the girths. 

 The pressure of the thighs and knees has practically 

 no disturbing effect upon the horse, though it should be 

 sufficient to indicate the rider's wishes, that of the 

 calves against the girths influences him sufficientlv for 

 ordinary work, but when it is necessary to thoroughly 

 rouse his energy the lowest parts of the legs and the 

 heels should stroke, or pinch the sides just behind the 

 girths. Gentleness in the use of the legs, especially 

 of the ankles and heels, is as essential as in case of the 

 hands. In both cases this is secured by the rider 

 keeping the muscles relaxed in his jaw, arms and legs, 

 and he should constantly strive to use the minimum 



