RIDING 131 



the centre of motion is close to the middle of the saddle ; 

 and as the weight is chiefly thrown upon the breech, if the 

 seat is far back it is not in that part, but near the cantle 

 that it is placed. But by sitting well forward the weight 

 is distributed between the breech, thighs, and feet ; and the 

 horse is able to rise and fall in his gallop without disturbing 

 his rider. 



The knees must be well forward to effect this seat, and 

 also well in front of the stirrup-leathers ; for if they are 

 placed behind them the body is thrown too far back, and 

 the hold is insecure. The object of all young riders should 

 be to get as far forward as possible, so that the knee is not 

 off* the saddle ; and they can scarcely overdo this part of 

 the lesson by any effort in their power. Riding well upon 

 the fork, with the knees upon the padded part of the flap, 

 will ensure a good position if the stirrups are not too short. 

 These should be about the length which will touch the 

 projecting ankle-bone, when the legs are placed as above 

 directed, but out of the stirrups ; and when they are placed 

 in them, the heel should be about one inch and a half Itelow 

 the ball of the foot. This latter part receives the pressure 

 of the stirrup in road-riding, but in hunting or any other 

 kind of field-riding the foot is thrust " home,'' and the 

 stirrup touches the instep, whilst the pressure is taken by 

 the under part of the arch of the foot. 



The reason of this is, that in leaping the pressure on the 

 stirrup is almost lost ; and if the toe only is placed within 

 it the foot is constantly coming out. Besides this, in the 

 gallop the attitude is of that nature that the spring of the 

 instep is not wanted, the weight being too much thrown 

 upon the foot, if standing in the stirrups , and if sitting 

 down in the saddle the feet should scarcely press upon 

 the stirrups at all, and therefore the best place for them 

 is where they will be most secure. The body should 

 be carried easily, balancing backward and forward 

 or sideways, as required, but not forcibly. Instinct 

 is here the best guide, and the rider should follow 

 its precepts rather tha,n attempt to follow any preconceived 

 rule. If the horse rears, he will feel called upon by nature 

 to lean forward, and may even grasp the neck if needful, or 

 anything but the bridle, which will only bring the horse 

 back upon him. The body should not be held stifily upright, 

 but short of this, it can scarcely be too still, the loins being 



