CONCLUSION. 243 



the latter, but would dispense with the 

 onerous obligations which appertained to an 

 elevated rank. The desire of showing off 

 in public places, or motives still more frivo- 

 lous, sometimes lead gentlemen of our times 

 to commence the study of horsemanship; 

 but soon wearied of a work without satisfac- 

 tory results, they find only a monotonous 

 fatigue where they sought a pleasure, and 

 are satisfied that they know enough, as soon 

 as they can stick passably well in the saddle. 

 So insufficient a knowledge of horsemanship, 

 as dangerous as it is thoughtless, must neces- 

 sarily occasion sad accidents. They then 

 become disgusted with horsemanship and 

 horses ; and as nothing obliges them to con- 

 tinue the exercise, they give it up nearly 

 altogether and so much the more easily, as 

 they naturally care very little about the 

 breeds of horses and their perfection. We 

 must then, as a preliminary measure in the 



