THE TEST OF HORSEMANSHIP. 43 



No sport or mode of riding in which any other 

 element than the mere management of the horse 

 enters can properly be the test of horsemanship. 

 It would be as fair to say that ostrich-chasing, 

 kangaroo-hunting, or cow-herding — in each of 

 which special knowledge is required — should be 

 the test, as to fix upon cross-country riding. Nor 

 would I suggest the airs of the manage as the 

 measure of a man's skill in riding. If the object 

 in riding is to control the horse, that control is the 

 true test. This would require the best possible 

 seat, so that under all circumstances the rider could 

 employ the proper aids, and to give the aids pro- 

 perly would imply a thorough knowledge of the 

 art. 



In Austria, in Prussia, in France, and in Italy, 

 nearly every one who rides practises the exercise 

 according to some good method, and it is an error, 

 into which the majority of Englishmen fall, to 

 believe that there are not many very accomplished 

 horsemen in those countries, horsemen who, as far 

 as seat, hands, and the control over the horse are 

 concerned, would compare favourably with the best 

 riders in England. It is folly to underrate the 

 cavalry of the Continent, although it is not gathered 

 from the hunting-field ; and, from what I have seen 

 of its influence upon the riding in England, I am 



