THE LENGTH OF THE STIRRUP 29 



pressure upon the reins, we have to push our 

 feet forward, and then our knees are not pointed. 

 Sometimes we are unaware of the fact, and that 

 is where instantaneous photography is of such 

 value. 



I remember once riding over some fences, and 

 thought at the time that I had been correct. It 

 was only when I saw the photographs which had 

 been taken that I realized I had been riding at 

 least a hole too long. It was quite evident that 

 I had been " left behind," because my feet were 

 well in advance of my knees ; and a very valuable 

 lesson it was. 



One cannot always tell these things oneself. It 

 is advisable to have a friend who wall notice these 

 points and tell you about them afterwards, but, 

 better still, the camera is the best and surest 

 guide. 



Theoretically speaking, the iron should be kept 

 on the ball of the foot, and in practical riding it 

 should be so carried to a much greater extent 

 than has been the practice of late. The balance 

 of the body is more easily maintained, and it 

 enables the ankle joint to be brought into play 

 as a shock absorber as w^ell as the knee joint, a 

 combination which makes an almost perfect spring, 

 so that when both are put to use, the body feels 

 no jar whatever when, for example, one is landing 

 over a fence. The only reason for not so holding 

 the stirrup is that w^hen the soles of one's boots 

 become muddy, or the roughing is worn off the 

 tread of the iron, there is a considerable chance of 



