112 HINTS ON MANAGING A HORSE. 



those who are wilUng and endeavouring to learn it ; 

 and those (the great majority) who don't care a rap 

 about it. To the first, no observations of mine 

 need be addressed ; to the second, a few hints 

 may not be deemed intrusive ; and to the third, 

 remonstrances and reproof are necessary, to pre- 

 vent them spoiling the sport of others. 



In these days of universal knowledge, when 

 everybody knows everything, and men are sup- 

 posed to ride better than men ever have ridden 

 before, it might be considered the height of pre- 

 sumption in my attempting to throw out a few 

 preliminary hints on mounting and managing a 

 horse. I will therefore content myself with one 

 observation, that the man who cannot ride across 

 country without the aid of reins and stirrups has 

 no pretension to the character of a perfect sports- 

 man. This is the best test of a good seat, although 

 not a very agreeable one. 



" Without the aid of reins !" I hear some one 

 exclaim; "that is impossible." 



But my meaning is, that a silken thread only 

 should be attached to the bridle by which the 

 horse might be guided, but which would break on 

 the least effort of the rider to Jiold on hy. There 

 are hundreds who can and do make a very good 

 fight across country with the assistance of reins 



