128 PRINCIPLES OF p 4 r* 



The seat must chiefly be preserved, by the 

 balance of the body, and not by the pressure 

 of the knees ; for all attempts to hold on by 

 the gripe of the legs and thighs would tend to 

 derange the balance, and destroy that easy 

 and unconstrained position of the limbs, which 

 is essential to a firm and graceful seat. 



These things attained, the rider may pro- 

 ceed as rapidly as the firmness of his seat and 

 balance will admit,— being mindful not to 

 exceed that, lest his seat should be thrown 

 into disorder, and he contract a habit of 

 applying the calves before he attains the com- 

 plete balance with the thighs. 



When the pupil is confirmed, in some de- 

 gree, in his seat at a trot, he should be taught 

 to collect his horse, and to bring his haunches 

 under him. This is effected by pressing the 

 horse up to the bridle by the aid of the legs ; 

 but care must be taken that this is not done 

 too hastily or violently, as the horse might 

 thereby be injured. 



