SEAT, LEGS AND SPURS 



knee joints, or take a firmer grip with the 

 knees. 



Knee pressure secures the rider's seat and 

 strengthens his hand without exciting the horse ; 

 whereas steady pressure from the lower part of 

 the legs applied below the swell of the body has 

 a disturbing effect, driving him forwards or 

 stopping him, according as it is applied against 

 the flanks or just behind the elbows. This grip 

 of the knees should be developed for use when 

 wanted, during long trots, and one should also 

 practise opening the thighs when there is an 

 inclination to grip, so as to bring the muscles 

 under control of the will, and prevent in- 

 voluntary contractions. In the words of Mr. 

 James Fillis, " stiffness of the body, arms, and 

 legs, makes fine horsemanship impossible ; it is 

 only when the limbs have become supple, and 

 the body maintains itself in the saddle by 

 balance, that the legs acquire the necessary 

 delicate feeling." The secret of remaining on 

 a horse when he " plays up " is to drop the 

 hands, press the heels down, sink well into 

 the saddle, to go with him in all his movements, 

 and to force him to move forward with the legs 

 and spurs. The tendency, when trotting on 

 the left diagonals, or cantering with the right 

 leg leading, is to rest too much weight on the 



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