50 The Art of Riding. 



In early life the body is very flexible, and answers, 

 in its movements, to the dictates of the will with 

 lightening rapidity. The pliability of the muscles 

 renders their adjustment to the varying circum- 

 stances of the movements connected with riding 

 easy and graceful. The more plastic the limbs the 

 more easily they are brought into harmonious 

 action with the movements of the horse, which 

 may be said to be the ultimate analysis of 

 equitation. 



Let us suppose, then, the pupil to mount a 

 horse for the first time. As we are not supposing 

 the learner to be under the tuition of a Riding 

 Master, he will probably not have the advantage 

 of a good Riding School. In lieu of this he must 

 select a meadow, or some place suitable for his first 

 lessons. I should remark : in case of young boys 

 it is necessary that they should fide ponies, or at 



