30 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



the iron slipping off the foot, as the heel sinks to 

 the pressure of the impact ; but apart from this 

 consideration, it is just as easy, and it is more 

 comfortable to jump a fence with the stirrups on 

 the ball of the foot than with them driven home. 



But it requires more practice, it necessitates the 

 leg being in the correct position, and for beginners 

 it is certainly easier to ride with the irons " home." 



It may now be asked, why shouldn't we always 

 anticipate the possibility of the horse making a 

 serious plunge or of his taking a big jump, and 

 ride always as short as a steeplechase rider ? The 

 reply to this is merely a matter of comfort, both 

 for the rider and the horse. 



Riding very short is tiring, and unless we are 

 actually engaged in galloping and jumping, it should 

 not be maintained. 



The short stirrup, as has been demonstrated, 

 throws the seat back further in the saddle, and 

 when we are merely walking or trotting quietly, 

 it is not only more comfortable to ourselves to 

 take up a more forward seat, it is necessary for 

 the comfort of the horse. The loins are his weakest 

 point, and it should be our endeavour to keep our 

 weight off that portion of his back as much as 

 possible. When coming home from hunting after 

 a tiring day it should be a rule to let one's stirrups 

 out a couple of holes. It is a relief to both oneself 

 and the horse. Not so, however, when going to 

 the meet. Neither horse nor rider are tired, and 

 it is as well to anticipate the horse shying or giving 

 a playful buck, and under such circumstances it 



