72 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



thing. Riding is far more a question of equilibrium 

 than of strength. 



All students should be taught that " grip " is 

 only to be used when differences of opinion exist 

 between the horse and his rider. Thus, when a 

 horse is trying to refuse a fence it is impossible to 

 hold him too tight. A grip is necessary in all 

 eases of swerving, but in instances of " pecking" 

 when landing over a fence, although the ordinary 

 hold would naturally be somewhat increased, a 

 tight grip is not necessary provided the whole 

 shock has been absorbed in the muscles of the knee. 



Position and balance are what we require, not 

 the muscles of a Hercules or the development of 

 Sandow. I notice very often the condition of 

 riders after a race. Frequently they are fearfully 

 " blown " and much exhausted. We expect such 

 a condition if the horse has not gone kindly, but 

 if he has jumped freely and well, it merely shows 

 that the rider has been using an unnecessary 

 amount of muscle throughout the race. 



I am not speaking of the effort necessary to 

 ride a hard finish, or to steady a pulling horse. 

 I am speaking of the effort that is necessary to 

 ride a horse round a steeplechase course under 

 normal conditions, and if the jockey is properly 

 placed in the saddle, he should be neither blown 

 nor exhausted after the event. The difference 

 between jockeys is much marked, and it is a point 

 that should be noted by o^vners and trainers, 

 because it tells the tale of how they have ridden 

 their horses throughout the race. 



