MODERN RIDING. 



quire : for the present, let it be that which 

 you find most pleasant to yourself. Endea- 

 vour, then, to obtain a firmness that neither 

 the action of the horse, nor his tugs, or play- 

 ing on the bit, shall in the least disturb. 



This firmness depends on the correctness 

 of your position, aided by the grasp of mus- 

 cles in the thighs just above the knees. Not 

 that you are to fatigue yourself by applying 

 unnecessary exertion : sufficient to keep you 

 steady in the saddle, and afford the horse the 

 required support, is all that is necessary ; and 

 that may be more or less, according to the 

 roughness of the action, the speed the horse 

 goes at, and the pull or support he takes. 



Thus having considered the position of 

 every part in this system of riding, let us 

 consider the situation, operation, and effects 

 of the hands, in particular. 



The situation of the hand or hands (if both 

 are employed), is to be in the centre. The 

 arms being pressed to the body will be the 



