136 Among Men and Horses. 



who used to keep the Royal Military Riding School in 

 Gloucester Crescent, Bayswater. He was a most enthusiastic 

 ' school ' teacher, and was particularly partial to the instruc- 

 tion of ladies in the various airs de manege. Probably, the 

 two best ecuyeres he turned out were Miss Nellie Reid and 

 ' Mile. Jenny,' who is at present a well-known haute ecole 

 exponent in France. Baron de Vaux says : ' Miss Jenny 

 est aborigine anglais e ; cest une fort belle per sonne qui a obtenu 

 presqne autant de succes comme femme que comme ecuyere. 

 He was anxious for me to join him ; but the roving fit was 

 strong on me, and I wanted to see new countries and to 

 acquire more knowledge about horses. Besides, I did not 

 think there was much profit to be obtained from keeping a 

 riding-school. The rent is terrible, hay and corn bills and 

 wear and tear of horse flesh are awful, the slack season is 

 appalling, and the fees have been cruelly cut down by compe- 

 tition. Had the financial aspect of the business been promis- 

 ing, I would have gladly co-operated with Captain Fitzgerald ; 

 as he is one of the nicest men I have ever met. He has 

 marvellously charming manners, and is consequently a great 

 favourite with ladies, some of whom were inclined to try his 

 good nature as regards his horses and school somewhat too 

 highly. He has since then sold the business, and was lately, 

 I am glad to say, made a Knight of Windsor. My old friend, 

 Mr E. M. Owen, the well-known gentleman rider, now man- 

 ages the establishment in his usual capable manner ; for he 

 has a main de fer under a gant de velours. They are not 

 likely to put the ' comehether ' on him. 



