THE LENGTH OF THE STIRRUP 27 



measurements. But, roughly, three inches back 

 in the saddle will necessitate the leathers being 

 shortened one inch (or two holes). 



Looking at diagram III, we see an entirely 

 different state of affairs, because the stirrups are 

 shortened as the body goes back in the saddle. 

 Here the knee is in each case in front of the stirrup 

 leather. The leathers can 

 remain upright, and the 

 rider can in each case 

 place the whole of his 

 weight upon them, and 

 by leaning his body for- 

 ward a true balance can 

 be maintained. 



It may be said that 

 it is easy to lean the 

 body forward without 

 shortening the stirrups. 

 This is perfectly true, but 

 the body is unbalanced. 

 It is a simple matter to 



lean the body forward when on the ground without 

 bending the knees at all, as when making a bow. 

 But when in this position it would be impossible 

 to make even the smallest jump. When riding it 

 is certainly possible to do so, but it is the attitude 

 of a " passenger," and not of a horseman, because 

 in that position there is neither control nor balance. 



I think, therefore, that it must now be clear that 

 in order to counteract propulsion the stirrups must 

 be shortened in order to get the body more for- 



DlAGRAM III 



