354 



EQUESTRIANISM. 



motion of a walk, let the speed be increased, until finally 

 the horse is galloj^ed with a long bridle reiii, under all his 

 motions, and the rider feels comfortable and easy, and has 

 learned to depend only on his thighs and the flexibility of 

 the body to maintain his position. 



Fia. 244. — A good model of riding-horse. 



Having perfectly accustomed himself to the seat, the 

 pupil may now put his feet in the stirrups, and learn their 

 use. They should be used as a matter of comfort and con- 

 venience, as it is fatiguing to rido Avith the legs dangling at 

 the horse's side. In walking, a gentle support of the stir- 

 rups keeps the l)ody from swaying from side to side as the 

 horse moA^es. In trotting, — when stirrups are almost in- 

 dispensable, — they permit the horseman to either " rise to 



