26 Rising to a Trot, 



saves the horse to a very great percentage, put 

 by some good authorities at as high a figure as 

 one sixth. Moreover, it was not a strange step 

 forward. That it is natural to rise in the trot is 

 shown by there being to-day many savage or semi- 

 civilized tribes which practice the habit in entire 

 unconsciousness of its utility being a disputed 

 point anywhere. 



Another reason for shortening the leathers no 

 doubt prevailed. The English found the most 

 secure seat for vigorous leaping to be the long 

 one. Of course a little obstacle can be cleared in 

 any saddle ; but with the long seat, the violent ex- 

 ertion of the horse in a high jump does not loosen 

 the grip with knees and calves, but at most only 

 throws one's buckskin from the saddle, as indeed 

 it should not even do that. For the knees being 

 well in front of, instead of hanging below, the seat 

 of honor, enables a man to lean back and sustain 

 the jar of landing without parting company with 

 his mount, while a big jump with stirrups too 

 long, if it unseats you at all, loosens your entire 

 grip, or may throw you against the pommel in a 

 highly dangerous manner. 



Moreover, with short stirrups, the horse is able 

 on occasion to run and jump " well away from 

 under you," while, except during the leap it- 

 self, the weight for considerable distances may 

 be sustained by the stirrups alone, and thus be 



