ness had its drawbacks ; and we must also confess injustice of our 

 period, that the time of steam and electricity, has entrained the minds 

 of men in its course and that a certain haste and rush has seized the 

 world, in which meditation and tranquility have ceased. 



In quick tempo humanity hurries on, fearful of being distanced, to- 

 ward an end indefinite and often precarious. 



These observations taken from public life, apply to the science and 

 art of riding 1 . 



In times of old the art of riding was cultivated by the educated 

 world to the highest degree of perfection ; it was then a matter of hon- 

 or with the gentleman, to be an accomplished rider and in sport as in 

 earnest he displayed his agility and bravery on horseback. 



The greatest masters of the art of riding belong to past centuries 

 and their successors can be called but their imitators. 



The range of firearms has during the last century changed the de- 

 sign of calvary. 



The impossibility to directly approach infantry, or artillery in the 

 open field, compelled it to appear unf orseen by making detours with 

 greatest speed, in consequence of which, endurance and speed became 

 most important factors. 



This necessitated better horses and a change of cavalry tactics. 



There is since the last great wars hardly an obstacle of territory, 

 that cannot be taken by cavalry, which is equal to the requirements of 

 the present time. 



As elating as this fact is to the patriot, it has had upon the true art 

 of riding the deplorable influence, that the horsemen of both America 

 and Kurope, are being carried along by its example to such an extent, 

 that to-day the masters and worthy teachers of a higher art of riding 

 are scarcely to be found and that with them the well trained saddle 

 horse is gradually disappearing, while on the other hand superficiality 

 is rapidly spreading and the art of riding is mutilated beyond recogni- 

 tion by amateurs. 



" Among the blind the one eyed is king." This is an old truth and 

 often the so afflicted will not undergo a thorough operation, because they 

 have crown accustomed to theflattery of an impostor, and enlightenment 

 mio-ht deprive them of their self satisfaction. 



" When danger is greatest, G-od is nearest! " One is tempted to ex. 

 claim to those, who do not know what they undertake, when under the 

 guidance of such a protector, they fear along on a half crude horse. 



It certainly requires a person of little conscience, to so abuse the 

 confidence of the inexperienced, and to attach so little importance to 

 safety and dignity. 



Self reliance under all circumstances in life, is surely a most impor- 

 tant trait, in the character of the educated, and parents should try to 

 cultivate it early in their children ; but this is possible only in matters in 

 which the parents themselves are experienced and competent to form an 

 opinion. In branches though, that are removed beyond their judge- 



