VII 



SEAT 



RIDING BY GRIP AND BALANCE GOOD AND BAD FORM HOW 



TO SIT A HORSE PROPERLY RIDING OVER 



JUMPS BY BALANCE 



|F the qualifications that go to make a good 

 rider, seat is of fundamental importance. 

 Hands, ease, grace, correct position, safety, 

 horsemanship — all depend upon seat. When 

 the seat is perfect, and only then, can these things be per- 

 fect too. A rider need not expect to distinguish himself 

 beyond his ability, good, bad, or indifferent, to sit his 

 horse. 



The perfect seat is the one which gives a rider the best 

 hold in the saddle, with the least fatigue. There are two 

 styles of riding. One depends upon balance, and the other 



upon grip of knees and thighs, or of calves, to maintain 

 equilibrium. 



Englishmen as a rule ride by grip, Americans by balance. 

 The most graceful and finished riders are without question 

 those who ride by balance. Some writers contend that 

 the securest seat is a combination of grip and balance, but 

 I fail to see the force of the argument. 



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