CHAPTER II. 

 IN THE SADDLE. 



In a little book, called ''Man and Horse/' published in 

 England, the author, Mr. March Phillipps, gives most 

 sensible directions for learning to ride. Most books on 

 the subject are of such a professional character as to be 

 nearly useless to an ordinary reader who wants to learn 

 about riding in a common-sense way. 



Mr. Phillipps says : "You want to learn how to sit a 

 horse. Very good; then put aside for the present all 

 anxiety about managing and guiding him. Your present 

 business is, wherever he may go or whatever he may do, 

 to continue steady upon his back. Therefore, leave it to 

 some one else to take care that he goes where he ought 

 and does nothing which he ought not. You are at pres- 

 ent in the situation of a landsman going to sea, and must 

 not think of steering until you have got your sea legs." 



This injunction suggests the fundamental principle of 

 the whole art of learning to ride, which is to learn one 

 thing at a time, and to learn that thing well, before 

 attempting anything else. As there can be no good 

 riding without a good seat, the learner's whole attention 

 should be devoted for days or weeks or months, as may 

 be necessary, to acquiring it, giving no thought to any- 

 thing else. Never mind the management of the horse, 

 that will come in due time. Learn to be as perfectly at 

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