THE HUNTING SEAT. 193 



difference in the seat for hunting and for steeplechasing, in 

 both of which, men usually ride a hole or two shorter than 

 when hacking ; because they have greater necessity to be 

 able to lean back at times. Also, it is less fatiguing to ride 

 with stirrups which are a trifle short than with those that 

 are slightly long. The respective seats adopted by the gene- 

 rality of Australian rough riders, American cow-boys and 

 Cossacks, for instance, are those which are specially suitable 

 to their saddles. As regards hunting, we should not forget 

 that although utility is the first consideration ; fine horse- 

 manship is usually accompanied by the possession of an easy, 

 graceful seat. 



THE HUNTING SEAT. 



The best position for a man to assume in the saddle when 

 riding across country or for ordinary purposes, varies so much 

 in individual cases, owing to differences in conformation, that 

 no good purpose would be served by trying to lay down rigid 

 rules as to the seat. All that can be usefully done in this 

 respect is to discuss principles which can be applied according 

 to circumstances. 



A man should ride by the combined aid of balance and 

 grip of the legs, the latter being exerted only just enough to 

 assist the former in retaining the body in proper position. In 

 this manner, any disturbing sway of the body will be 

 prevented, and the muscles of the legs of the rider will remain 

 untired, and consequently capable of gripping the saddle 

 in a moment with the tenacity of a vice, in the event of the 

 animal making any untoward movement. If grip predomi- 

 nates over balance, not only will the muscles of the legs 

 and thighs become fatigued, but the attitude will be 

 characterised by stiffness, which we all know is incom- 

 patible with good horsemanship. 



Almost all the precautions of seat as far as grip is con- 



13 



