X INTKODUCTION. 



There can be no objection to a rider 

 becoming skilful in the management of 

 his horse, or to the horse being ren- 

 dered obedient to his master's wishes. 

 A perfectly schooled horse is a horse 

 perfectly fitted for any use ; and a 

 rider who has a seat that permits him 

 to apply the aids in the vigorous 

 movements of the manege is prepared 

 for any emergency, upon the road or 

 in the field. 



There are those who hold the 

 opinion that no one can learn to ride 

 from the rules laid down in books. 

 How is one to learn to ride ? From the 

 first there is little that the beginner 

 must not learn, from rule or from ex- 

 ample, and, according to his aptitude 

 for the exercise, he improves in skill by 



