Page:Equitation.djvu/47

 to put the proper amount of contraction into the muscles of the thighs, so as to obtain adhesion, and yet at the same time to prevent this contractive force, which belongs to the immovable portion of the seat, from interfering with the suppleness of the two other, movable, parts of the body. This difficulty is best met by the following calisthenic flexions :


 * Movements of the head: down, up, left, right.
 * Of the arms: up, down, forward, back, rotation at the shoulder.
 * Of the spine: backward, forward, left, right.
 * Of the lower legs: forward and backward, with turning of the toes inward from both positions.
 * Of the ankles: toes in, out, up, down.
 * Of the thighs: knees high, and knees down, but always with contact between the saddle and the base of the spine.

These exercises, executed at walk, trot, and gallop, will enable the beginner to move, freely, legs, head, arms, and body, while at the same time keeping the seat firm.

But the adhesion of the thigh muscles must be produced and maintained, solely by the pliancy and flexibility of these muscles, and not at all by their permanent contraction. Such contraction should be but momentary, never spreading to other parts of the body, which must always remain unaffected by any effort of the thighs.

Moreover, the trunk and head should be able to