THE POSITION OF THE BODY 



As the length of the stirrup and the length of 

 the reins have a direct bearing on the position 

 of the body, it is somewhat difficult to discuss 

 this without a certain amount of repetition. 

 I have already shown how it is necessary for 

 the body to be forward on landing in order to 

 avoid the necessity of letting one's reins out. 

 But I now want to discuss this from another 

 standpoint. 



It is, firstly, necessary from the horse's point 

 of view. The part of his body that he requires 

 to have free when jumping is his loins. Weight on 

 that portion of his body interferes with his take off, 

 and it interferes with his landing. 



In the canter or gallop, the rider's body 

 should be so placed that as the horse's hind legs 

 throw off for each stride, the thrust acts as a 

 " tap " upon the body and so keeps it constantly 

 going with the horse. I will illustrate my 

 meaning. 



Take a man practising boxing with a punchball. 

 It entirely depends upon when he hits that ball 

 as to how far it will go and what strength will be 



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