i PRACTICAL HINTS, ( ' 389 



accustomed himself to the slow motion of a walk, let the speed be 

 increased, until finally the horse is galloped with a long bridle-rein, 

 under all his motions, and the rider feels comfortable and easy,' and 

 has learned to depend only on his thighs and the flexibility of the 

 body to maintain his position. 



Having perfectly accustomed himself to the seat, the pupjl may 

 now put his feet into the stirrups, and learn their use. They should' 

 be used as a matter of comfort and convenience, as it is fatiguing to 

 ride with the legs dangling at the horse's side. In walking, a gentle 



Fig. 355.— Ideal Points of a Good Riding Horse. 



support of the stirrups keeps the body from swaying from side to 

 side as the horse moves. In trotting, — When stirrups are almost in- 

 dispensable, — they permit the horseman to.either "rise to the trot," 

 or to distribute the shock in " riding hard " between the feet, the 

 seat, and the thighs, so that it is no longer a shock, but becomes a 

 quick, easy movement. The stirrup-leathers should be so adjusted 

 that the iron will just tquch the bottom of the feet, giving them sup-> 

 port without raising their position, while the inner part of the thighs, 

 as far down as the knees, are pressing firmly and immovably against 

 the saddle, and the legs below the knees hanging vertically. 



In ordinary riding it is best to have the ball of the foot touch 

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