GRACEFUL RIDING. 13 



not having learned the correct mode of using his 

 hands and reins ^ in his boisterous endeavours to save 

 himself from falling, imparts fear to his horse. 

 Tlie animal naturally imagines he has been guilty of 

 some great fault, and is fearful of punishment ; and 

 should he not he familiar with the voice of his rider, 

 then a mutual struggle for safety takes place, and 

 causes an accident. The horse is then condemned as 

 " vicious," though the rider was alone in fault. The 

 same horse, in the hands of an experienced horseman, 

 would become as quiet as ever. We often find that 

 really dangerous horses have been reclaimed by 

 ladies riding them ! This is entirely owing to their 

 using them gently, but firmly, and speaking to them 

 kindly ; by these means confidence is imparted, and 

 makes them 



"All that a horse should be, which nought did lack 

 Save a good rider on so proud a back." 



A few minutes' riding will be sufficient to discover 

 the nature and temper of a horse, likewise what 

 system of treatment has been pursued towards him 

 (which, in consequence, must be still followed). 



There are very many persons who are considered 

 good horsemen, who have no fear, and will ride 

 anything, or at anything, yet have no idea, beyond 

 the mere fact of riding, whether the saddle, bridle. 



