HORSEMANSHIP 13 



that the horse is the easier and far the pleasanter 

 of the two mounts. When the rider has reached 

 this point it is simply a question of practice 

 and taking pains, how soon he will have that 

 sjtrength in the saddle which is the foundation 

 of all feats of horsemanship, whether on the 

 polo ground or in the hunting field. Thus 

 constant attention and regular practice are the 

 two first steps. 



After a greater or less period of these exer- 

 cises, the time of which cannot be determined 

 on as it must vary with opportunity and 

 natural aptitude, the rider, will have some of 

 that feeling of unity with his horse which 

 is necessary to good riding. Of course, 

 though much, this is only a first step. 

 The next is the perfect control of the horse. 

 The master and servant should have but one 

 will between them, and that will the master's. 

 As a matter of fact horse and rider much 

 more often have two wills, and it is not 

 always that of the rider which prevails. The 

 horse is said to be a stupid animal, but he is 

 wonderfully quick at finding out his masters 

 weakness. The least fear, the smallest indeci- 

 sion, communicate themselves to the horse very 

 quickly. A nervous man makes a timid horse, 

 an undecided man will turn a bold animal into 

 a restive and self-willed one. I knew one man, 



