t t 



their trapping and other expeditions on horseback, the 

 saddle and bridle were not thought of, sometimes a piece 

 of fish skin or strip of animal's hide with noose for the toe 

 was sufficient to act as a stirrup, &c., a plain cord of the same 

 material for a bridle and bit, and a piece of cloth or hide 

 underneath the seat. In fact, they have been known to 

 mount the wildest steed and give him full play over hill 

 and vale, mountain and torrent, through river and marsh, 

 and ultimately bring him home (guided by the hand alone) 

 as docile and tame as a lap-dog. The Arabs are good 

 riders without the bridle and saddle, and are frequently to 

 be seen with a common halter and piece of linen for the 

 horse's back. The Arabian horses are considered by 

 some the more active and pleasant to ride than the 

 English thorough bred ; but such is not the general 

 opinion. The Arabs are known to be particularly fond 

 of the horse, and would rather lose their lives than part 

 with their steeds. In fact, the horse reciprocates the good 

 feeling, fully appreciating the constant care and attention 

 shewn towards him by his master — whom it is no strange 

 siofht to see fondlincr and embracino^, and sometimes even 

 kissine, his horse. The Turkish horse is descended from 

 the Arab, and are notedly splendid creatures. The Turks 

 are good riders and very kind to their horses, and the 

 steeds are always very gentle and obedient. The men 

 are never known to thrash or abuse their horses, and a 

 vicious animal is rarely to be found among them. It is a 

 common thine to see a Turkish horse kneel down to 

 receive its rider; such is the result of good training. In 

 Turkey, riding is the rule and driving the exception, 

 coach building being somewhat in its infancy, at least 

 compared with our own country. For riding, the Turks 

 prefer horses ; the Arabs are more in favour of mares. 

 The Ganchos are supposed to be the cleverest horsemen 

 at lassoing wild horses, which are to be seen in their 



