SEAT, LEGS AND SPURS 23 



of force, and that only when there is not sufficient 

 impulsion ; removing any pressure the moment the 

 horse answers to it ; in fact, as Robert Weir writes in 

 the Badminton Library, the rider should apply his 

 legs by ^\jirst squeezing, then relaxing, much in the 

 same way as he gives and takes with his hands." 

 These vibrations of the legs are not quick, intermittent 

 kicks : the legs must first be pressed in, so that the 

 vibrations take effect on the compressed ribs and 

 internal organs, and produce an exhilarating effect. 



When trotting on the left diagonals the tendency 

 is to rest too much weight on the left stirrup ; the 

 rider should, therefore, counteract this by pressing 

 his right seatbone into the saddle, feeling the right 

 stirrup, and so keep himself square and well down in 

 the saddle. A lady should also be careful to keep her 

 right hip and shoulder well back. 



When cantering, leading with the right leg or start- 

 ing the canter on that leg, the horse places his weight 

 on his near fore and off hind leg, which should also 

 support his rider's weight, the rider should, therefore, 

 press more or less on the left rein, touch the neck with 

 the right rein, feel the right stirrup and put his weight 

 on the right seatbone, sinking it well into the saddle. 

 A lady should be particularly careful to keep the greater 

 part of her weight on the right side of the saddle, so as 

 to secure a square, upright, firm seat. 



Knee pressure arouses the horse's attention or 

 strengthens the hand without exciting him, and as it 

 should always be appHed before the legs are used, the 

 grip of the turned in knees should be developed during 

 long trots ; this exercise also forces back the muscles 

 on the inside of the thighs, makes the thighs flat, and 

 brings the bone against the saddle. 



