GETTING INTO PLACE. 



37 



and \}ci^ grasp of the thighs. The erect 

 seat upon the breech, that we have de- 

 scribed, permits the body to make, most 

 readily, those motions that are necessary 

 for preserving the perpendicular appHca- 

 tion of the weight, and for keeping the 

 balance. The strongest hold upon the 

 saddle possible is with the inside of the 

 thighs. 



There should be no pressure upon the 

 stirrups ; for this would relieve the weight, 

 •disturb the balance, and force the grip of 

 the thighs. It is no argument in favor of 

 riding upon the stirrups that the horsemen 

 of the East carry their knees up to the 

 pommel of the saddle, for the Mexicans, 

 who are better riders, extend the leg to its 

 full length. 



It is in spite of bad systems that 



