SS ROAD RIDING. 



It is admitted by experts that there is much more strain 

 on a saddle horse than a carriage horse, and one should 

 be always ready and willing to relieve him and render 

 his burden as easy as lay in the rider's power. You have 

 already been told on which side of the road you should 

 ride, now I will give you some more advice with regard 

 to road riding. After the groom has brought your horse 

 to the mounting-block, or from your own stable, as the 

 case may be, before mounting, walk quietly up to him 

 and notice if the bridle and saddle are put on to 

 your liking, and if you own the horse yourself, ask after 

 his appetite, and enquire from the man when he needs 

 shoeing again, and after being satisfied with the reply, 

 cast a look at the horse's appearance, and if you find that 

 every thing is in order, speak a word of praise to your 

 man before riding away. After leaving the stable be 

 careful to walk your horse for a short distance before 

 going at any greater speed. Notice at a glance how he 

 conducts himself on the road. If you should be mounted 

 on a horse that you have never ridden before, be always 

 careful to be on the alert for any object that you think 

 would in any way be at all likely to disturb or frighten 

 him, and be careful to look well in front of you and keep 

 your hands down. The next thing to do is to find out 

 how you had better ride your horse. The proper way to 

 ride a horse on the road is to have a steady and easy 

 hand, and not to worry the horse's mouth ; another very 

 important thing for the rider to remember, is to always 



