The Gentleman's Seat. 53 



in delicate nervous children, than the injudicious 

 selection of horses for the early lessons. We, 

 who are at home in the saddle, are too apt to for- 

 get the feeling of peril which, in the days of our 

 youth, filled our young minds when we found 

 ourselves striding a horse for the first time. It 

 is well, however, to make an effort to recall those 

 experiences ; they have a salutary effect upon us 

 in our dealings with the young; and in other 

 respects than those of equitation. While observ- 

 ing great care and attention in the selection of a 

 quiet reliable horse for the first lessons, the pupil 

 must not be made aware of the necessity for such 

 care. It is of importance that his mind should be 

 as free as possible from anxiety on the score of 

 danger ; and, indeed, under judicious management 

 there ought to be little or no danger. 



For the first few lessons the single rein snaffle 

 should be used. Double reins are difficult to 



