INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3 



nations that still exist in different parts of the world 

 mount their horses as a means of gaining and maintain- 

 ing their existence much more frequently than for mere 

 pleasure. 



This is, however, precisely what brings into the sad- 

 dle a great number of people who do not belong to the 

 class of born riders, or have perhaps neither the time, 

 opportunity, nor desire to do more than enjoy a pleas- 

 ant ride when they can, and who are therefore content 

 to depend on others, who are paid for doing it, to put 

 this within their reach. That this luxury is, however, 

 not always attainable even to a long purse, many a 

 man can testify; and the causes of failure are frequently 

 sufficiently obvious to professional riders, although 

 seldom pointed out by them, for very cogent reasons. 

 It must be confessed, indeed, that it is most usually 

 a very thankless office to offer any man that rides any- 

 thing like advice, however well meant and sound, on 

 anything concerning his horse, bridle, saddle, or seat. 

 The great majority w r ould much more patiently tole- 

 rate very decided expressions of doubt as to their 

 mental or moral qualifications, if only conveyed with a 

 certain amount of tact, than the slightest imputation 

 of want of knowledge or skill in things pertaining to 

 horsemanship. 



And yet there exist very incontestable evidences 

 that a great amount of unskilfulness, to use a mild 

 term, in the matter of riding does really exist amongst 

 us. We have the best horses in the world, and those 

 whose build and temper are most peculiarly adapted 

 for riding purposes ; notwithstanding which, the propor- 

 tion of animals with broken knees and other injuries 

 to their limbs is infinitely greater than anywhere else 



