INTRODUCTION. It is to be regretted that, in this nation of horsemen, riding, as practised in the schools, should have fallen into disuse; for the manège is the foundation of horsemanship. This neglect is owing, in a great measure, to the prejudice that once prevailed against the formal seat and the unnecessary airs of la haute-école. But, in most countries of Europe, school-riding has advanced with the age, and it is now recognised, by the professors of the art, that each man has a seat peculiar to him self, and those movements only are practised that are necessary to give the rider control over his horse under all circumstances. When we see that school-riding, in one form or another, is used in all armies, and indeed wherever the horse must be under command, it is hardly necessary to argue the importance of a knowledge of its laws. by all who desire to ride well. And although in the extended gallop of the hunting-field, it is impossible to retain the equilibrium of the manège, the horse will be the more amenable for his schooling, and the rider will always have the resources of his art. I think it is a mistake to place children of tender age upon horseback, for there is nothing to be gained in such a course that will compensate for the risk of injuries they may receive. An active man may learn to ride well at any age; and a bold boy of fourteen, who comprehends the system upon which he is taught, will in six months become a better horseman than the lad who has been riding six years according to his own ideas. It is not given to all men to excel in riding: courage, activity, a perfect temper, and aptitude for the exercise, are requisite for the acquirement of the highest skill. But a knowledge of a proper method will give to every one comparative immunity from the dangers that attend horsemanship. A schooled horse, confiding in his master and obedient to the spur, is not apt to try his powers in rebellion; and when in hand and properly gathered he will recover from a mistake that might otherwise prove disastrous. In these papers I have endeavoured to present a system of riding and training by which the pupil may become his own master. For many years I have been schooling horses for my recreation, and I have had advice and instruction from some of the most accomplished horsemen of our day. In particular, I owe my acknowledgments to Mr. Joseph Merklen, formerly one of the French Cavalry Service. From him I learned the method of horse gymnastics, which, together with much that will, I hope, be new to my readers, I now offer for their consideration. |