76 The Seat and Balance. 



have already remarked, none of the weight of the 

 body should be thrown upon the stirrup. The left 

 leg must not be cramped up, but assume an easy 

 and comfortable position : it should neither be 

 forced out, so as to render the general appearance 

 ungraceful, and the leg itself fatigued ; nor, should 

 it be pressed close to the horse, except when used 

 as an aid ; but descend gracefully by his side, 

 without bearing against it. * 



Although hanging by the left crutch of the 

 saddle, over the near side, is not only inelegant, 

 but objectionable in many important respects, the 

 near crutch, properly used, is a lady's principal 

 dependance on horseback. The right knee being 

 passed over the near crutch, the toes being slightly 

 depressed, and the leg pressed against the fore 

 part of the saddle, the pommel is grasped, and the 

 rider well secured in the possession of her seat. 

 It is said, that when a lady, while her horse is 

 going at a smart trot, can lean over, on the right 

 side, far enough to see the horse's shoe, she may 

 be supposed to have established a correct seat ; 

 which, we repeat, she should spare no pains to 

 acquire. In some of the schools, a pupil is often 

 directed to ride without the stirrup, and, with her 

 arms placed behind her, while the master holds 

 the long rein, and urges the horse to various de- 



