INTRODUCTION. 5 



which any true woman would care to employ. 

 If, in addition to indifference to the horse, there 

 be added nervousness and timidity, which she 

 finds herself unable to overcome by practice 

 and association, the lady might as well relin- 

 quish all attempt to become a rider. 



Should any of my readers think that these 

 views of the relations between horse and rider 

 are too sentimental, that all which is needed in 

 a horse is easy movement, obedience to the 

 reins, and readiness to go forward when urged, 

 and that love and respect are quite unnecessary, 

 she will find, should she ever meet with any 

 really alarming object on the road, that a little 

 of this despised affection and confidence is very 

 desirable, for, in the moment of danger, the 

 voice which has never spoken in caressing ac- 

 cents, nor sought to win confidence will be un- 

 heeded ; fear will prevail over careful training, 

 and the rider will be very fortunate if she es- 

 capes without an accident. The writer is sus- 

 tained in the idea that the affection of the 

 horse is essential to the safety of the rider, not 

 only by her own experience, but also by that 

 of some of the most eminent teachers of rid- 

 ing, and trainers of horses. 



Maud S. is an example of what a firm 

 yet kind rule will effect in bringing forth the 



