PREFACE. 



The first edition of this book was the result of seven 

 years' experience of riding hundreds of horses in India, 

 Ceylon, Egypt, China and South Africa ; the most trying 

 animals being those of which I was the rough-rider at my 

 husband's horse-breaking classes. Since that edition came 

 out, I have hunted a good deal, chiefly, in Leicestershire 

 and Cheshire, and have taught many pupils, both of which 

 experiences were of special advantage to me in preparing 

 this new edition ; because English ladies regard riding, 

 principally, from a hunting point of view, and the best way 

 to supplement one's education, is to try to teach. 



The directions about side-saddles and seat are the out- 

 come of practical work and fortunate opportunities ; and I 

 hope they will be as useful to my readers as they have 

 been to my pupils. Although I have ridden, when abroad, 

 some of the worst buckjumpers that could be found in any 

 country, I have never " cut a voluntary," thanks to the 

 adoption of a seat and saddle which gave the necessary 

 grip. Of course I have had " purls," when horses have 

 '* come down " with me out hunting ; and on one occasion 



