34 HAND-BOOK FOR HORSEWOMEN. 



If the point is turned somewhat in, the whole leg 

 will rest more easily and closely against the saddle ; 

 and, if the heel is lower than the ball of the foot, ad- 

 ditional contact of the leg will be gained, which is 

 important in managing a horse, and, when a spur is 

 worn, it will not be so apt to touch him at a wrong 

 time. 



The part of the right leg between the knee 

 and the hip-joint should be turned on its outer 

 or right side, and should press throughout its 

 length on the saddle ; while, on the contrary, 

 the inside of the left leg should be in perma- 

 nent contact with the saddle. The knees 

 should, in their respective positions, be con- 

 tinually in contact, without any exception. 

 The lower or movable part of the leg plays 

 upon the immovable at the knee-joint, the sole 

 exception being when the rider rises to the 

 trot, at which time the upper part of the leg 

 leaves the saddle. 



This position on horseback may be called aca- 

 demic, or classical ; and, from the beginning, a lady 

 should endeavor to obtain it, without, of course, be- 

 coming discouraged if, for some time, she fails to 

 attain perfection. 



I have met with excellent results by allowing my 

 pupils to leave this correct position, and then re- 

 sume it again, at first standing still, then at other 

 gaits progressively. *' Progression " in horseman- 

 ship means the execution of a movement at a trot 



