50 



2nd. The grip : When the limbs are in the position above mentioned 

 their pressure against the saddle, from the crotch down to the knee 

 furnishes the grip or hold on the .saddle. The exertion of the grip 

 would at length fatigue the rider and exhaust his strength, and for this 

 reason it must be reserved for emergencies, when sudden or unexpected 

 movements or changes of direction by the horse require it. 



3rd. The position. The position of a person on horseback should be 

 easy, but erect and commanding. The carriage of the head is of im. 

 portance, because of its influence upon the upper part of the body in 

 general. Head and neck should be carried erectly and straight upon 

 the shoulders, the latter should be dropped naturally and the upper 

 part of the arm rest against the sides of the body. The forearm should 

 be carried at about a right angle with the upper arm, when holding the 

 reins. 



Tbe lower part of the limb, from the knee downward, and particu- 

 larly the calve of the leg, fulfill the office of making impressions upon 

 the flanks of the horse and are not intended to assist the rider in main" 

 taining his seat. They should be carried in a position to allow the 

 calve of the leg to feel the saddle flaps. 



The position of the ankle and foot is of highest importance for the 

 security and correctness of the entire seat. The rule of carrying the 

 toes inward, which is so commonly applied by teachers of a military 

 training and experience, does not fill the requisites of an elegant and 

 easy position. The term "toes out and heels out," if properly under- 

 stood, ■would be of value for the grip, facilitating the impressions with 

 the calve of the leg and securing a better and easier hold upon the 

 stirrup. Turn the ankle so, that it assumes on the inner side a convex 

 shape toward the horse, -while the outer side is concave ; this, together 

 with a slight depression of the heel will bring the foot in a position 

 which prevents the stirrup from sliding under the instep, it will bring 

 the spur at a proper distance from the flank of the horse and insure the 

 position of the thigh, which is indispensable for a firm grip. The 

 muscles of the calve of the leg will, through the depression of the heel, 

 receive the requisite tension, and hardness necessary for their use. 



A recent invention by Mr. "Wm. H. 13. Creagh with an improve- 

 ment by the author, have brought into existenee a stirrup which for 

 safety, comfort and reliability, so far excels any previous devise, that 

 no horseman can well afford to deprive himself of its advantages ; the 

 position in which this stirrup is suspended from the saddle, not only 

 facilitates the proper position of the foot and leg, but literally compels 

 the rider to place the lower leg and the thigh in the only correct position 

 for rest and grip. The simple invention of a little rubber pad which 

 may at -will be removed and replaced, the proportions of the stirrup are 

 such as to insure comfort, and absolutely guard against the danger of 

 being caught. 



In my long experience I have found this to be the only position of 

 the leg, which under all circumstances proves satisfactory. 



