ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. 121 



is really a firm one. When this is not used, the crutch 

 is laid hold of by the right leg, and pinched between 

 the calf of the leg and the thigh, so as to afford a 

 firm and steady hold for the whole body, especially when 

 aided by the stirrups. But this latter support merely pre- 

 serves the balance, and is useful also in trotting; it does 

 not at all give a firm, steady seat, though it adds to one 

 already obtained by the knee. When two crutches are 

 used, the leg is brought back so far as to grasp the crutch 

 as before, but between the two knees the two crutches are 

 firndy laid hold of, the upper one being under the right 

 knee, and the lower one above the left. The right knee 

 hooked over the crutch keeps the body from slipping 

 backwards, whilst the left keeps it from a forward mo- 

 tion, and thus the proper position is maintained. In all 

 cases, the right foot should be hept back, and the point 

 of the toe should scarcely be visible. These points should 

 be carefully kept in view by all lady riders, and they 

 should learn as soon as possible to steady themselves by 

 ithis grasp of the crutches without reference to the stirrup- 

 iron. In spite of her side-seat, the body should be square 

 to the front, with the elbow easily bent and preserved in 

 its proper position by the same precaution. ''J.'he wdiip is 

 generally keld in the right hand, with the lash pointing 

 forward, and toward the left, and by this position it may 

 be used on any part of the horse's body by reaching over 

 to the left and cutting before or behind the saddle, or with 

 great ease on the right side. Its use may, therefore, in all 

 cases be substituted for the pressure of the leg in the 

 description of the modes of effecting the change of leg, 

 turning to the left or right, or leading with either leg. 

 With this substitution, and with the caution against all 



