THE SEAT 



produce any effect. In the last case, the effect will 

 be permanent, and so destroy itself. 



In riding without stirrups, the foot should fall 

 freely, lest the fixing of the ankle joint stiffen the 

 rest of the leg. When stirrups are used, the foot 

 may either be kept well home, or only the ball 

 inserted. In either case, the rider must be able to 

 use the lower leg, without stiffness, in managing 

 the horse. 



It is often said that the heels ought always to be 

 lower than the toes. This, however, seems to be 

 nothing more than an ancient prejudice of cav- 

 alrymen, who see nothing but general appearance 

 and cling to dear old routine. If only the knees do 

 not come up too high on the saddle, and the feet 

 are not too much turned out so as to spur the horse 

 unwittingly, one may wear his stirrups as he likes. 

 In fact, one need not use stirrups at all. Only one 

 must remember, that although in riding-school and 

 park, a third of the foot in the stirrup is sufficient, 

 hunting and racing on the flat and riding across 

 country and charging the enemy, all require the 

 whole foot there. The former position gives more 

 freedom for working the legs; but no one ceases to 

 be a good horseman by putting his feet a little more 

 forward or back, provided always that the seat is 

 not disturbed and the legs are free to manage the 

 mount. 



I have described a rider's position on horseback 

 minutely and at length. It will take a beginner 



21 



