8 HOW TO EIDE 



described, permits the body to make, 

 most readily, those motions that are 

 necessary for preserving the perpen- 

 dicular application of the weight, and 

 for keeping the balance. The strongest 

 hold upon the saddle possible is with 

 the inside of the thighs. 



There should be no pressure upon 

 the stirrups ; for this would relieve the 

 weight, disturb the balance, and force 

 the grip of the thighs. It is no ar- 

 gument in favour of riding upon the 

 stirrups that the horsemen of the East 

 carry their knees up to the pummel of 

 the saddle, for the Mexicans, who are 

 better riders, extend the leg to its full 

 length. It is in spite of bad systems 

 that these peoples who Hve on horse- 

 back become skilful in the management 



