at is not that of a man seated on a chair, but
rather the pose of a man standing upright with his legs apart. In this
way he will be able to hold on to the horse more firmly by his thighs;
and this erect attitude will enable him to hurl a javelin or to strike
a blow from horseback, if occasion calls, with more vigorous effect.
The leg and foot should hang loosely from the knee; by keeping the
leg stiff, the rider is apt to have it broken in collision with some
obstacle; whereas a flexible leg (9) will yield to the impact, and at
the same time not shift the thigh from its position. The rider should
also accustom the whole of his body above the hips to be as supple as
possible; for thus he will enlarge his scope of action, and in case of
a tug or shove be less liable to be unseated. Next, when the rider is
seated, he must, in the first place, teach his horse to stand quiet,
until he has drawn his skirts from under him, if need be, (10) and got
the reins an equal length and grasped his spear in the handiest fashion;
and, in the next place, he should keep his left arm close to his side.
This position will give the rider absolute ease and freedom, (11) and
his hand the firmest hold.

(9) i.e. "below the knee"; "shin and calf."

(10) Lit. "pulled up" (and arranged the folds of his mantle).

(11) {eustalestatos}, "the most business-like deportment."

As to reins, we recommend those which are well balanced, without being
weak or slippery or thick, so that when necessary, the hand which holds
them can also grasp a spear.

As soon as the rider gives the signal to the horse to start, (12) he
should begin at a walking pace, which will tend to allay his excitement.
If the horse is inclined to droop his head, the reins should be held
pretty high; or somewhat low, if he is disposed to carry his head high.
This will set off the horse's bearing to the best advantage. Presently,
as he falls into a natural trot, (13) he will gradually relax his limbs
without the slightest suffering, and so come more agreeably to the
gallop. (14) Since, too, the preference is given to starting on the left
foot, it will best conduce to that lead if, while the horse is still
trotting, the signal to gallop should be given at the instant of making
a step with his right foot. (15) As he is on the point of lifting
his left foot he will start upon it, and while turning left will
simultaneously make the first bound of the gallop; (16) since, as a
matter of