T H E -:- H O R S E 



seat before my stirrups, which proved that I 

 had finally succeeded in bringing the stirrups 

 to the proper length, at least for my individual 

 requirements. This is not a pleasant method 

 to be followed in order to determine what the 

 length of one's stirrups should be, since most 

 persons of less optimism would become dis- 

 couraged before they found the proper length. 



The correct length of the stirrups for any 

 rider, in real action, is that length which would 

 permit his boots to rest in the stirrups with 

 average pressure if his legs were bent to the 

 natural position that would be assumed by 

 that rider in clinging to a fast-turning horse 

 bareback. 



When at rest or at the steady paces of a 

 horse, a longer stirrup is usually found more 

 comfortable, and with a longer stirrup the 

 rider unquestionably makes a better appear- 

 ance. 



Grip. — Broadly speaking, grip is a pulling 

 force which, when applied by a rider, assists 

 in keeping him and the saddle together. Tak- 

 ing hurdles or riding a fractious horse requires 

 particularly the application of grip. The chief 

 factors in its application are the heel, leg, knee 

 and thigh. If the horse catapults from the 

 ground, whether to clear some obstacle or 

 owing to the exuberance of spirits, it is neces- 

 sary for the rider to cease the upward move- 

 ment simultaneously with the horse and to 



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