LEARNING TO RIDE. 99 



cannot for a moment advise you to go out alone for the 

 purpose of learning, no matter how high-couraged you 

 may be. Ahvays enlist the services of a suitable companion, 

 or attendant, but remember that if the latter is a servant 

 — even though his service may be of many years' standing 

 — you are not on any account to permit him to give you 

 so much as the very smallest hint on any subject connected 

 v^^ith equitation. Coachmen know nothing at all about 

 riding ; and grooms, as a rule, very little : a fact that is 

 every day testified by their heavy hands and awkward gait 

 on horseback. Laying all this aside, however, there can 

 be no doubt that whatever hints servants may be capable 

 of imparting to boy pupils, they are the very worst possible 

 instructors for girls, while pretending very often to be the 

 best. I attribute one-half the faults in style which shock 

 our eyes in park, street, and hunting-field, to the pernicious 

 teachings of " John the groom " ; therefore, the moment 

 that such persons attempt to open their lips to you, except 

 when spoken to, shut them up at once, in a manner which 

 (without any rudeness) will show that you desire them to 

 keep silent except when addressed. 



As soon as you are secure upon your saddle, and have 

 learned to feel at home there, get your horse walked about 

 with the reins looped over his neck. Do not touch them at 

 all at first, or trouble yourself about carrying a whip, but 

 rather devote your energies and attention to acquiring an 

 eve7i balance, and learning the proper grip of the pommels 

 — without which you never can ride well. Do not lean 

 heavily upon the stirrup, or force yourself to undue 



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