The Gentleman's Seat. 85 



out of ten it is due to the negligence of the rider. 

 Very seldom, indeed, will a horse fall when going 

 at an ordinary pace, if his rider has him well in 

 hand, i.e., keeps a constant watch over his move- 

 ments, ready at any moment to lift his head and 

 brace him up by sharp pressure of the legs to his 

 sides. The rider's eyes should never lose sight of 

 the ground along which his horse is travelling. 

 Every stone, every little hole and hillock should 

 be noticed and avoided. A horse will travel 

 safely enough over rough ground, if his attention 

 is called to it by extra care and help on the part 

 of his rider. 



It should be borne in mind that the back of a 

 horse is no place on which to carry on a train of 

 thought; and no horse is a safe conveyance 

 for anyone who does so. A man rides for 



