XV 



AN IMPROVED METHOD 



" All that our fathers taught us of old pleases us now no more." 



Kipling. 



T PROPOSE in this chapter to describe all that my 

 experience has led me to consider essential in 

 teaching a man the elements of riding, with special 

 attention to those points which are most often mis- 

 understood by instructors. Without claiming that 

 the following system as a whole is an original one, I 

 submit that in three important particulars, viz., the 

 preliminary gripping exercises, the successful use 

 of the strap joining the stirrups, and the early and 

 constant jumping without reins, it introduces new 

 features of great value to teachers of equitation. 

 It aims at inspiring confidence in the pupil by 

 making falling off as difficult as possible; at the 

 rapid acquisition of that bedrock of good horse- 

 manship — a firm and well-balanced seat, which is the 

 only foundation of good hands; and at the easy 

 suppleness of body which marks the proficient. 



