Page:Equitation.djvu/58

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on it. The toe turns a little inward, just enough to prevent the left calf from pressing against the saddle, since this would tend to pull the entire body round to the left.

CORRECT POSITION OF THE LEGS AND ARMS WHEN MOUNTED

Further details of the woman rider's position may be found in my book, The Horsewoman, D. Appleton and Company, New York. This which I have here set forth is the accepted posture. It is easily acquired if the pupil begins young and practices certain calisthenic exercises on horseback. To have a good seat is to be able to retain this position, under all conditions, with the horse in motion. No woman, young or adult, can acquire such seat merely by reading any book. She needs in addition, the help of a teacher, one, moreover, of long experience.

The principles of the reasoned and of the scientific equitation are the same for women as for men, the woman rider's whip taking the place of the man's right leg.