The Old Trooper. 49 



meant a vast deal more than merely an ugly tum- 

 ble over a three-foot stone wall ; I refer to their 

 stout seats in the saddle, and the rough ground 

 they were wont to cover when they rode down 

 upon and over a belching wall of fire. For all 

 which, whenever we see one of these old troopers 

 out for a ride, modestly (for he is always modest) 

 airing his army saddle, strong curb, and long and 

 hooded stirrups, we may, perchance, notice the 

 jeer of the stripling, whose faultless dress and 

 bang-tailed screw are but a sham which hides his 

 lack of heart. It always gives one's soul a glow 

 of pride to see the well-known seat, and one is 

 fain tempted to ride up to the old comrade and 

 grasp him by the hand. A thorough rider will 

 recognize his equal under any garb. It is pre- 

 tense alone which merits a rebuke. You cannot 

 make a poor rider a good one by mounting him 

 in a fashionable saddle, any more than you can 

 make a worthless brute a good horse by giving 

 his tail the latest dock. 



XIII. 



Until within no great time the modified mili- 

 tary seat has been the one which formed the 

 basis of instruction. The riding-master, I pre- 

 sume, still insists, with civilian and recruit alike, 

 on feet parallel with the horse, heels down, toes 

 in, knee grip, and a hold of reins utterly un- 



