352 



EQUESTRIANISM. 



it would frequently require the greatest effort to dislodge 

 the rider. 



The position assumed in the saddle should be with the 

 weight of the body supported directly under the hips, the 

 spine curved inward, and the head and chest thrown back- 

 ward. We give two illustrations from Leach, showing the 

 insecure and the secure position in riding. The lidcr in 



Fig. 243. — Au insecure position. 



the first illustration exhibits the greatest caution and tim- 

 idity, v/ith his body bent forward, and his whole attitude 

 one of rigidity. The second illustrates the freedom with 

 which the body may be managed when the seat is secure. 

 When a landsman first goes to sea, he finds it extremely 

 difficult to adapt himself to the motions of the vessel, stum- 

 bling and falling like a child learning to walk ; but with 

 practice he soon gets what is termed his " sea-legs." The 

 principle is the same in learning to adjust one's self to the 

 jftotioiis of the horse in riding, 



