Ridgeway 3996

form which rises to a maximum line or crest.
It should be employed in the singular for a
single land form, and distinguished from a
range, which may consist of more than one
ridge.

Ridgeway, Robert (1850-1929), Ameri-
can ornithologist, born in Mt. Carmel, HI.
In 1883 he was one of the principal founders
of the American Ornithologist Union. In
1880 he became curator of the ornithological
department of the U. S. Natural History
Museum, Washington, D. C. He has pub-
lished: A History of North American Birds
(3 vols. 1874); The Birds of North and
Middle America (1901, sqq.)^ etc.

Riding, properly thnding—i.e. the 'third
part'—the name of the three divisions of
Yorkshire, England.

Riding. There are probably as many dif-
ferent 'correct* ways of riding as there are
teachers. All agree, however, that the first
thing to learn is the mount. The rider may,
standing on the near side of the horse, either
take the reins in his right hand and with it
clasp the pommel of the saddle, insert the
left foot in the stirrup, spring from the ball
of the right foot, and, seizing a lock of the
mane, steady himself until he carries his right
leg over the croup and so sink into the saddle;
or, facing to the rear, he may take the reins
in his left hand and with it seize a lock of the
mane; then, inserting his left foot in the stir-
rup, spring from the right foot and as he rises
take hold of the pommel of the saddle, carry
his right leg over the back of the horse, and
when he has found his seat, transfer the reins
to his right hand. In dismounting with the
stirrup the rider should first release his right
foot; then transferring the reins to his right
hand he should with it seize the pommel, and
with his left hand take a lock of the mane;
then, taking his weight upon his left foot,
supported by his hands he should carry his
right leg over the croup, face the horse and
come gently to the ground on his right foot,
finally releasing his left foot and his holds
upon the mane and pommel. Then comes the
acquirement of a stable seat, and the man
may find his own best seat in the following
manner: Mounting the horse he should sit
down in the saddle, taking his weight upon
his buttocks while he holds his body erect,
the shoulders held back squarely. He should
then, raise his legs upward and inward until
the points of his knees meet above the crest
of the horse. From this position he will drop
his legs slowly until the inner sides of his
thighs and the fiat inner surfaces of his bent

_______________________Riding

knees take every possible point of contact
with the saddle, the lower parts of the legs
hanging without stiffness. The length of the
stirrup leathers will be right when the tread
of the iron strikes the heels. The rider having
learned the proper seat, he will take his posi-

Correct Positions in Riding.
Top, Mounting; Center, Reins
in one hand; Lower, Reins in
both hands.

tion upon the horse with a snaffle rein in each
hand, the loose ends toward the thumbs and
held by them, the reins passing through the
breadth of his hands, which are held knuckles
up, close together, to assist each other, and
take a gentle feeling upon the mouth of the
horse.