The Gentleman's Seat. 49 



It is, of course, far more easy for a learner 

 to fall into ungainly and slovenly habits when by 

 himself than it is when under the watchful eye of 

 a master, who instantly detects any imperfections, 

 and corrects accordingly. There is but one right 

 way, whereas there are thousands of wrong ways ; 

 and, bearing this in mind, the learner should never 

 for a moment relax an intelHgent oversight, as it 

 were, over all his movements, postures, &c., while 

 in the saddle. He should make himself thoroughly 

 acquainted with the rules and instructions, and 

 be constantly applying them from moment to 

 moment, and he will not be long before experience 

 will inform him of the progress he is making. 



As I have said before, the earlier in life young 

 gentlemen begin to ride the better; and the finer 

 horsemen they become; but tolerable skill can be 

 attained at any period, though, of course, the 

 difficulty is greater the older we are in beginning. 



