INTRODUCTION 5 



But the trouble is that he didn't know, and I most 

 deferentially submit that the great mass of the 

 riding public also do not quite realize the faults 

 they commit. I do not purpose at this moment 

 to criticize his position. I prefer to take my 

 readers along with me step by step, and then 

 those who have done me the honour of reading me 

 through a few chapters, will perhaps be kind enough 

 then to refer to this copy of the photograph. If I 

 have been able to make my points sufficiently 

 clear, the ineptitude of such a position in the saddle 

 will be so demonstrated as to make further com- 

 ment unnecessary. I have selected this photo- 

 graph because it is very typical. If you look 

 round the walls of your rooms or in your albums 

 you will find many similarly posed, a fact which 

 loudly proclaims the truth, which is that hunting 

 experience is not sufficient to teach the arts of 

 horsemanship by itself. It must be accompanied 

 by theoretical study, and as much practical exercise 

 as is possible, either in riding schools or maneges. 

 Not only do the riders require teaching, but their 

 horses also, and it is by hard work and constant 

 endeavour alone that our horsemanship can be 

 improved, so that we can ride better to hounds 

 than we did before. I am preaching no idealistic 

 theories, beyond the reach of most, or above the 

 ambitions of the ordinary rider. My object is 

 to help those who wish to improve themselves 

 in practical cross-country work. To make them 

 ride better and straighter to hounds, with more 

 assurance and greater safety. How great a per- 



