6o Modern Riding and Horse Education 



obtained when he gets on to the box, and the same 

 principle must apply to the thigh muscles of the man 

 who is to be taught riding. The polo player not 

 only uses the dummy pony to get his eye in, but also 

 to strengthen his arm and wrist, and incidentally 

 his thighs. 



The fact that grip can only be obtained by mus- 

 cular contraction renders its constant application im- 

 possible on the score of fatigue; its early acquire- 

 ment is nevertheless most important to give the pupil 

 confidence. If a man feels he has sufficient grip 

 power to help him he will more quickly learn bal- 

 ance. 



Certain exercises will develop the flexor and ad- 

 ductor muscles ; they may be gone through either on 

 a horse or on a dummy horse, and should be in- 

 creased gradually. If possible, the pupil should be 

 put through them once a day for about ten days 

 before his instruction in riding commences. They 

 should be continued during the first part of the 

 course, and not in the hours allotted to riding. The 

 instructor must bear in mind that it is useless to 

 exercise a tired muscle, and he will find that the man 

 can accomplish but little during the first few days. 



