PARK RIDING. 51 



to impress on his reader that in riding, as in 

 dancing or any other accomplishment, the pupil 

 must first be taught the rudiments of the art 

 before he venture on the practice of it. A self- 

 taught rider can seldom get on horseback without 

 at once showing as great an ignorance of the art of 

 riding, as one who should attempt dancing without 

 having ever been taught to dance. The author's 

 theory is the result of what he has gathered from 

 the first masters in England, from long experience 

 of the various methods in vogue throughout the 

 Continent of Europe during several years, and by 

 a careful examination into everything which has 

 been written of the art by ancient as well us 

 modern authors. On these he has brought to 

 bear his own practical knowledge, and has endea- 

 voured to deduce rules and principles which he 

 trusts may embody all that may be required for 

 attaining elegance and perfection in riding. 



In order to the thorough enjoyment of eques- 

 trian exercise, both rider and horse require 



E 2 



