14 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



The body should be erect, but easy, and while it is 

 not necessary or desirable that a very firm grasp 

 of the thighs should be maintained, they should 

 be held in the proper position, with the flat parts 

 against the saddle, and the points of the knees 

 turned towards the horse. The feet should bear 

 enough weight in the stirrups only to hold them in 

 place, and if the seat is right the feet will be found 

 parallel to the sides of the horse. In turning to 

 either side, whether at the walk, the trot, or the 

 gallop, the shoulder of that side will be retired, more 

 or less depending upon the speed and the angle 

 of the turn ; and in all circles the inner shoulder 

 should be retired and the body inclined towards the 

 centre, depending in extent upon the speed with 

 which the movement is executed and the diameter of 

 the circle. In turning to either side the rider should 

 avoid the fault, that is common with most begin- 

 ners, of releasing the pressure of the outside knee ; 

 and he should also guard himself against leaning 

 forward at any sudden and unexpected movement 

 of the horse. As a rule, the rider should lean for- 

 ward if the forehand rises, and should lean back 

 when the croup rises. So, when a horse rears, the 

 rider should lean forward, but the body should be 

 carried back when the horse kicks or stumbles. If 

 these instructions are borne in mind, the rider will 



