164 The Best Rider. 



is very naturally apt to be cultivated among men 

 whose duty keeps them in the saddle the better 

 part of every day. And it is well known that 

 English army officers are among the very best 

 cross-country riders, and not a few have occu- 

 pied the dignity of M. F. H., and done it credit. 

 Surely such a rider, trained in the niceties of the 

 manege^ as well as experienced in' riding to hounds, 

 may fitly be placed at the head of the equestrian 

 roll of honor. 



After excluding professionals, then (and excep- 

 tional individuals), I am afraid I must brave crit- 

 icism in calling the officers of civilized mounted 

 troops distinctly the best class of riders. Next 

 — perhaps you will say in the same category — 

 comes that class in England which makes its one 

 pleasure the prosecution of the most splendid of 

 all sports, fox-hunting, and has reached perfection 

 in the art. Excluding all riders who do not be- 

 long to the classes available for our imitation, 

 there comes next, longo intervallo^ the civilian 

 rider everywhere. 



It is impossible to draw any comparison be- 

 tween the above classes and even our own cow- 

 boys, whose peculiar duties and untamed mus- 

 tangs prescribe their long leathers and horned 

 pommel. Nor can the equatorial style be fairly 

 contrasted with what meets the wants of the 



