22 HORSE AND MAN. 



order to catch each movement of the horse. We all know 

 that this feeling can be acquired only by long training. 



Many physical qualities are necessary for obtaining a 

 strong and graceful seat. For instance, it is evident that 

 a stout, short man is less likely to ride well than one who is 

 sufficiently fall and slight. I say " sufficiently tall," because 

 it is a common error to think that one must be tall in order 

 to ride well. On the contrary, the taller the horseman, the 

 more difficulties will he have in riding. First of all, the 

 longer the body, the more easily can it be displaced, on 

 account of the height of the centre of gravity, and the harder 

 will it be for the equilibrium to be restored. Also, long legs 

 cannot adapt themselves to the sides of the horse so well as 

 those of medium length, because the feet are below the sides 

 of the horse, and if the rider wishes to use the spurs he is 

 obliged to bend his knees, in order to shorten his legs, which 

 action is ugly, and weakens the seat. 



I recognise the fact that every man can acquire a strong 

 seat if he works hard. The remarks I lately made about 

 German stiffness also apply to the English. Nations of 

 Teutonic origin have justly earned the reputation of being 

 the best horsemen, which they have become by their great 

 perseverance and love of work. The Latin races, being of 

 middle height, are better fitted, by their suppleness and 

 agility, to work in harmony with a horse, and if they were 

 industrious they would certainly be the finest horsemen in 

 the world. But, unfortunately, they are content with being 

 nearly the best. It goes without saying that I am speaking 

 generally, and that there are good and bad horsemen in 

 every country. 



The ease, firmness of seat and confidence of the rider 

 generally depend on the first lesson which he has received ; 

 and, as I have said, a good seat is acquired only by trotting 

 without stirrups for a long time 



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