IN THE RIDING-SCHOOL. 17 



himself to that part of the ring in which the 

 least labor should be expected of him. The 

 tiny girls and bright little boys who ride him 

 call him "dear old Billy Buttons," or "darling 

 Gypsy," or "nice Sir Archer." Heaven knows 

 what he calls them in his heart ! Were he 

 human, it would be something to be expressed 

 by dashes and "d's " ; but, being a horse, he is 

 silent, and shows his feelings principally by 

 heading for the mounting-stand whenever he 

 thinks that a pupil's hour is at an end. 



Why that long face, Esmeralda ? Must you 

 do all those exercises ? Bless your innocent 

 soul, no ! Dress yourself and run away. The 

 exercises will be good for you, but they are not 

 absolutely necessary. Remember, however, 

 that your best riding master is behind your 

 own pretty forehead, and that your brain can 

 save your muscles many a strain and many a 

 pound of labor. And remember, too, that, in 

 riding, as in everything else, to him that hath 

 shall be given, and the harder and firmer your 

 muscles when you begin, the greater will be 

 the benefit which you will derive from your 

 rides, and the more you will enjoy them. The 



