288 



EQUESTRIANISM. 



titude one of rigidity. The second illustrates the freedom w?th 

 which the body may be managed when the seat is secure. When a 

 landsman first goes to sea, he finds it extremely difficult to adapt 

 himself to the motions of the vessel, stumbling and falling like a 

 child learning to walk ; but with practice he soon gets what is 

 termed his " sea legs." The principle is the same in learning to ad- 

 just one's self to the motions of the horse in riding. 



The learner should make no attempt to guide or manage his 

 horse, nor even trouble himself how to mount and dismount. Let 



Fie. 354.— A Secure Seat. 



him get into the saddle, turn his toes inward, press his knees 

 against the saddle, but riot his calves, bringing the flat of the thighs 

 in the largest contact with it. Curve the spine inward, and throw 

 the shoulders back. Let the arms hang listlessly by the side. 

 Holding mainly by the knees, shift the seat from side to side and 

 from front to rear, with as little swaying as possible of the upper 

 part of the body. Continue this practice, nO matter how long it 

 takes, until the seat is firm, and the learner can move in any direc- 

 tion while keeping the spine curved inward. When the*rider has 



