PEACTICAL HINTS. 



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The learner should make no attempt to guide or manage 

 his horse, nor even trouble himself how to mount and dis- 

 mount. Let him get into the saddle, turn his toes inward, 

 press his knees against the saddle, but not his calves, bring- 

 ing the flat of the thighs in the largest contact with it. 

 Curve the spine inward, and throw the shoulders back. 





FIG. 243. A secure seat. 



Let the arms hang listlessly by the side. Holding mainly 

 by the knees, shift the seat from side to side and from 

 front to rear, with as little swaying as possible of the up- 

 per part of the body. Continue this practice, no matter 

 how long it takes, until the seat is firm, and the learner can 

 move in any direction while keeping the spine curved in- 

 ward. When the rider has accustomed himself to the slow 



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