34 THE HORSEMAN. 



SECTION VII. Position in the Saddle. 

 (See Plate X.) 



The body should be erect without stiffness ; the small 

 of the back somewhat drawn in ; the chest protruded, 

 and the shoulders square to the front ; the buttocks bear- 

 ing equally and well forward, the inner parts of the 

 thighs embracing the saddle, -and the legs hanging 

 naturally. The loins should be well supported, and the 

 weight of the body should rest as much as possible in the 

 centre of the saddle, and the elbows should be steady and 

 free from constraint. 



SECTION VIII. Position of the bridle-hand. 

 (See Plate XI.) 



The elbow should hang naturally, and without pres- 

 sure to the body; and the hand should be on a horizontal 

 line with the elbow, or about four inches above the pom- 

 mel. The palm of the hand -should be turned sufficiently 

 to the right to keep the elbow close and in proper posi- 

 tion ; the thumb pointing to the horse's off ear. 



This is the strongest position in which the hand and 

 arm can be placed ; and, from this position, the rider is 

 enabled to execute all the movements of the bridle-hand 

 without abruptness. 



while mounting or dismounting. The rider, holding the whip 

 in the right hand while mounting or dismounting, frequently, and 

 unconsciously, touches the horse's flank with it, or alarms him 

 by switching it in the air. 





