INTKODUCTION. vil 



schooling, and the rider will always 

 have the resources of his art. 



I think that it is a mistake to place 

 childi-en of tender age upon horse- 

 back, for there is nothing to be gained 

 in such a course that will compensate 

 for the risk of injuries they may 

 receive. An active man may learn 

 to ride well at any age ; and a bold 

 boy of fourteen, who comprehends the 

 system upon which he is taught, will 

 in six months become a better horse- 

 man than the lad who has been riding 

 six years according to his own ideas. 

 It is not given to all men to excel in 

 riding : courage, activity, a perfect 

 temper, and aptitude for the exercise 

 are requisite for the acquirement of 

 the highest skill. But a knowledge 



