16 



It certainly is desirable that an exercise 

 so healthful and agreeable as riding, should 

 be learned in the best possible way, not 

 only for the sake of the rider, but also on 

 account of the horse. The comfort of both 

 is promoted by the lightness of the rider's 

 hand and the proper position of his body 

 and legs. If the horse could only speak he 

 would remonstrate against the cruel manner 

 in which his mouth is hurt by the bit, 

 when badly taught men haul heavily or 

 onesidedly at the reins. He would likewise 

 complain of the heavy heels that kick his 

 sides, and of the uncouth means employed 

 to start or stop him. These and similar 

 matters should be thought of by all riders, 

 and even if they consider themselves 

 tolerably experienced, they would probably 

 derive advantage from undergoing a short 

 course of instruction periodically, as is the 

 case with officers and men of the mounted 

 services. 



Anyone who intends to ride a young 

 horse, or to follow hounds for the first time 

 in a season, should make sure that his grip 

 is of sufficient strength. This is a point to 

 which but little attention is paid, but it is 

 of the greatest moment. Men who are 

 constantly riding and who are in robust 



