CHAPTER XVn. 



HOW TO EIDE A HORSE. 



THE SADDLE — THE GIRTHS — THE STIRRUPS— SADDLE-CLOTHS— THE CRUPPER — 

 THE MARTINGALE— THE BRIDLE — SPURS — MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING — 

 THE SEAT — THE HANDS — THE LEGS — THE PACES— HINTS FOR SPECIAL CASES 

 — THE ART or FALLING RIDLN'G WITH LADIES. 



It would be useless, in this work, to enter into an argu- 

 ment in favor of horse-back riding. It is so inspiriting, 

 so healthful, so enchanting, — such a truly noble exercise for 

 both men and women, — that it pleads its own cause, and 

 it cannot fail to commend itself to all who will master its 

 difficulties sufficiently to fairly test its merits. 



Driving is very well for invalids, and for those who are 

 indolent, or timid, while it is often convenient for all ; but 

 a free gallop on a prancing piaffer, or a well-bred and Avell- 

 trained horse, appeals so strongly to the life and spirit of 

 all vigorous persons, while it brings relief for dyspepsia 

 and hypochondria, and immunity from nearly every ill 

 that flesh is heir to, that it must effect, more and more, its 

 own adoption. 



This being the case, it is deemed necessary to the pur- 

 poses of this chapter only to give a detailed statement ot 

 the various practical matters connected with the art of Rid- 

 ing, — safely assuming that the reader will find, in the prac- 

 tical application of its principles, sufficient inducement for 

 its continued exercise. 



The Saddle. — Of the various sorts of saddles, there are 

 only two which are sufficiently desirable for modern use 

 to require notice in this work. These are the English 

 hunting saddle and the Somerset saddle. 



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