THE SEAT 



to put the proper amount of contraction into the 

 muscles of the thighs, so as to obtain adhesion, and 

 yet at the same time to prevent this contractive 

 force, which belongs to the immovable portion of 

 the seat, from interfering with the suppleness of 

 the two other, movable, parts of the body. This 

 difficulty is best met by the following calisthenic 

 flexions : 



Movements of the head: down, up, left, right. 



Of the arms: up, down, forward, back, rotation 

 at the shoulder. 



Of the spine: backward, forward, left, right. 



Of the lower legs: forward and backward, with 

 turning of the toes inward from both positions. 



Of the ankles: toes in, out, up, down. 



Of the thighs: knees high, and knees down, but 

 always with contact between the saddle and 

 the base of the spine. 



These exercises, executed at walk, trot, and 

 gallop, will enable the beginner to move, freely, 

 legs, head, arms, and body, while at the same time 

 keeping the seat firm. 



But the adhesion of the thigh muscles must be 

 produced and maintained, solely by the pliancy and 

 flexibility of these muscles, and not at all by their 

 permanent contraction. Such contraction should 

 be but momentary, never spreading to other parts 

 of the body, which must always remain unaffected 

 by any effort of the thighs. 



Moreover, the trunk and head should be able to 



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