An Improved Method 171 



rally be advanced. An erect carriage can be assumed 

 without hollowing the back or sitting stiffly. 



Fitting the stirrups to the pupil's comfort is of 

 great importance, and the best way of doing so is to 

 place him in the saddle with his knee at what appears 

 to be the height to suit his thigh, and then to stand 

 in front of the horse and shorten or lengthen the 

 leathers until the base of the stirrup is in line with 

 the sole of the boot. Further adjustment may be 

 needed when the pupil has been riding about for a 

 time. As Rarey says : " There are certain rules 

 laid down as to the length of the man's stirrup leath- 

 ers, but the only good rule is that they should be 

 short enough to give the rider full confidence in his 

 seat, and full power over a pulling horse." This 

 sound maxim may well be borne in mind when 

 fitting stirrups. 



As much practice as possible should be given to 

 the pupil without fatiguing him or allowing him 

 to be chafed. A man will learn in a third the num- 

 ber of lessons if he begins with one a day and goes 

 on to two, instead of riding only twice a week. 



When some progress has been made, a grown-up 

 pupil should have a change of horses, especially for 



