THE SEAT 



But to ride without stirrups, and especially to 

 trot, before all the muscles have been relaxed by 

 riding at a walk and progressively, is surely a wrong 

 practice. Because, if the rider contracts his limbs 

 to resist the movements of the horse, he at once 

 makes the muscles too set to assume the shape 

 necessary for perfect adhesion. Must one, then, 

 walk a horse for months and years? It would, 

 indeed, be the best method, though rather imprac- 

 ticable in view of the probable expense. 



I, therefore, advise the beginner to use stirrups, 

 so as to fall as few times as possible and thus 

 save his parents' feelings. Let it be, nevertheless, 

 the first object to become, as soon as possible, fully 

 able to sit upon a saddle, without stirrups, at all 

 paces. 



What, then, should be the ordinary practice? 

 For the first winter, ride at the school, without 

 stirrups, but always in the presence of the instruc- 

 tor. Learn for yourself all you possibly can, until 

 you have gained a certain degree of stability of 

 seat; and do not neglect to practice during the 

 summer. 



For the second winter, organize a class of ten 

 or a dozen young people of about the same age and 

 advancement boys only, no girls. Put the class 

 under a teacher, who, remembering his own early 

 training, will work with enthusiasm. Have lessons 

 three times a week for six months. 



Here is a programme for such a class: Walking 



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