EXERCISE IN THE SADDLE. 45 



in this position for some time, without re- 

 gard to the stiffness which it will occasion 

 at first. It is by the exertion of force that 

 the pupil will become supple, and not by 

 the abandon so much and so uselessly re- 

 commended. A movement at first obtained 

 by great effort, will not require so much 

 force after a while, for he will then have 

 gained skill, and skill, in this case, is but 

 the result of exertions properly combined 

 and employed. What is first done with 

 twenty pounds of force reduces itself after- 

 wards to fourteen, to ten, to four. Skill will 

 be the exertion reduced to four pounds. If 

 we commenced by a less, we would not at- 

 tain this result. The flexions of the loins 

 will be repeated, allowing the pupil often 

 to let himself down into his natural relaxed 

 position, in order to accustom him to throw 

 his chest quickly into a good position. The 

 body being well placed^ the instructor will 



