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 himself, 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 huntingfield, it is impossible to retain the equilibrium of the manége, the horse will be the more amenable for his

schooling, and the rider will always have the resources of his art.

I think that 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 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.

How to Use a Horse.

The whip and the spur are necessary aids in the education of the horse, and in compelling his obedience after he

has been trained.

seldom used, the

The first should be

latter never, to in

flict punishment. For instance, if a horse rears, the spurs must be employed to force the action of the hind-quarters, and so to drive him forward; but having brought about that result, they

must not be thrust into him to punish him for rearing. The horse is to be taught that the spur is applied to make him bring certain forces into action, and when used with discretion he will respond to it; but unnecessary strokes with the spur will rouse his resentment, and he will stubbornly refuse to obey its indications. It serves no good purpose to irritate a horse, as he will never yield while angry. A contest between horse and rider should always be avoided, for, in addition to the chances that the former will prove the victor, a high-spirited animal may be made incurably vicious, when by milder treatment he could be subdued without endangering his usefulness. A rebuke in a harsh tone of voice will generally