O EQUITATION. 



crutch, for if the knee be too far forward, the seat 

 will be very insecure ; the right foot should be flat 

 to the saddle, the toe turned downwards, that it 

 may not be seen through the habit, when a firmer 

 seat is required, the heel should be depressed, as 

 doing so, will tend to brace the muscles of the leg, 

 and give a firmer hold on the crutch. 



The left kg and knee must be in close contact 

 with the saddle, from the knee the leg should fall 

 in a natural position, the foot should be parallel to 

 the horse's side, and close to it, the heel slightly 

 depressed. The stirrup leather should be adjusted 

 accordingly, as it is only of use, to support the 

 foot in its proper position, too long a stirrup 

 throws the rider on one side, and raises the right 

 hip, too short a stirrup again, forces the knee out- 

 wards, and throws the seat too much to the right, 

 giving to the rider a distorted appearance. A 

 small strap fastened to the surcingle about two 

 inches above the stirrup, passing round the stirrup 

 leather, witb a play of about three inches, adds 

 greatly to the security of the seat, as it prevents 

 the leg from flying out from the saddle. 



The arms should hang straight down from the 

 shoulder, nearly close to the sides, but not stiflly, 

 tbe elbows bent, and the hands level with the el- 

 bows, the right arm and hand, when not occupied 

 with the reins, may be allowed to hang straight 



