Also, P&P2 equitation question for anyone
Posted by Carolyn B on April 26, 1998 at 09:08:02:
In response to Visions of Auntie Mame : -) and Q's for Anita, written by Carolyn B on April 25, 1998 at 08:45:59
Can anyone tell me if I'm right in thinking that at the beginning of P&P2 when Darcy and Bingley ride across the field, they are actually using a more modern form/posture with a forward-leaning seat (more obvious in Bingley's case) and shorter stirrups than an English gentleman of the time would have been trained to use (assuming he had equitation training)?? Look at the almost straight leg in this steeplechase painting where some riders are practically leaning backwards.
I was very surprised when I first learned that the forward "two-point" position (rear slightly out of the saddle/weight in the stirrups) that I learned for cantering and jumping was only developed at the turn of this century by an Italian cavalry officer, Frederico Caprilli. (Link below to International Museum of the Horse exhibit for comparison photo of Caprilli.) I have seen some 19th C. paintings of forward leaning jockeys and cowboys, but I would assume an English gentleman in the Regency period would have learned the upright/long stirrupped posture.
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