On the Value of Books on Riding. 



It has been said by some would-be authorities 

 on Horsemanship that books on riding are of no 

 value. But, admitting that every one can find a 

 master competent to instruct in the best methods, 

 it seems to me that works on the subject fulfil an 

 important part if they preserve and hand down the 

 traditions of the art. But written words convey 

 very much the same meaning as do the same words 

 when spoken, and there should be no difficulty in 

 any one, who can comprehend the instruction of a 

 master, understanding the precepts of a book. It 

 is more probable that the printed work is in accord- 

 ance with a good method than that the instructor 

 knows his duties. It is very easy to find a work 

 that is written upon sound principles, but it is a 

 difficult thing to choose a competent instructor. A 

 riding-master should certainly ride well enough to 

 make his horse change the lead in the gallop, at 

 stated intervals, in a straight line. For it is 

 important that his pupil should be able to make a 



