Graceful Riding.

by S. C. Waite.

PREFACE.

The Author's last publication, "The Equestrian's Manual," having met with so kind a reception from the Press and the Public--one which he looks upon with the greatest grat.i.tude--has induced him to compile for the use of Equestrians of both s.e.xes the present little Work, in the sincere hope that his humble efforts may, in some degree, aid in obviating the many severe and often fatal accidents, the result, in most instances, of inexperience in Horsemanship.

Should he have attained this end, and given some instruction to the nervous and timid, or any to the experienced equestrian, he will feel himself well repaid.

INTRODUCTION.

The science of Equitation has for many years been allowed, by the testimony and strong recommendation of the most eminent of the faculty, to be an accomplishment highly conducive and most beneficial to health; a.s.sisting the blood in its proper circulation through the frame, on which depends wholly good spirits, and freedom from bilious, hypochondriacal, and nervous affections.

Parents should not neglect to have imparted to their children an art so calculated for the development of grace and beauty in maturity, and, above all other considerations, _one_ that so eminently guards against the many diseases of this varying climate; diseases which are, in fact, almost, if we may use the term, "indigenous" to the spring and summer of life.

Physicians, of the past and present time, whose mere names should be sufficient to procure every patronage, are in favour of the acquirement of this most essential and elegant science. The skill necessary to become a perfect rider, can only be obtained through the tuition of a first-rate master; and, as far as the accomplishment can be explained within the limits of a book, the Author has endeavoured to do so; but he repeats there is much which cannot be written, and is only to be acquired through personal tuition.

Lessons in the school _alone_ can seldom make a good rider. In it the horse and the pupil become accustomed to the same monotonous routine day after day; but when they emerge on the road it is found that the expert rider of the _school_ is deficient in tact and skill; and, in fact, has learnt but little. The nature of the animal will occasion this; changing the scene of every-day objects in the school, for the great variety he must meet on the road, gives an impetus to his. .h.i.therto dormant spirit; then the rider will find that he must exert all the skill and judgment he possesses to keep his horse under the proper control indispensable to his safe guidance.

In conclusion, should this work contribute to the enlightenment of ladies and gentlemen desirous of becoming _finished equestrians_, it will have accomplished the end for which it was undertaken.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.

PLATE I.

The first figure represents WAITE'S IMPROVED SEAT.

The position is on the same system as the Cavalry, but being more _neglige_ in appearance, and much less constrained in feeling, although equally correct, imparts a more elegant and graceful seat to the rider.

HEAVY DRAGOON.

HUSSAR.

PLATE II.

RACING.

HUNTING.

PARK.

PLATE III.

The first figure represents the GENERAL SEAT of Ladies on their saddles.

The second shows the position of a Lady when mounted according to Mr.

WAITE'S METHOD of tuition; by it a firm seat is gained on the saddle, and consequently it is more secure than the usual seat; being also more graceful and elegant in appearance, and giving the rider a superior command over her horse, and obviating the danger of the habit-skirt becoming entangled in the horse's legs.

PART I.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

CHARACTER AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR RIDING.

A knowledge of the general character and disposition of the horse is really and absolutely necessary to his skilful management, from his extremely nervous sensibility, his aptness to take the various impressions of fear, affection, or dislike, to any of which he is naturally very quickly disposed.

"Reas'ning at ev'ry step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way; While meaner things by instinct led Are rarely known to stray."

Speaking in soothing terms to a horse, so that he may become familiar to the voice, gives him confidence in his rider, which is of the _utmost importance_. At all times more is to be accomplished with the animal by gentle means than could possibly be done by harsh ones: kindness, or its opposite, is speedily conveyed to and retained in his memory, which is remarkably retentive. This mutual confidence is perfectly appreciated by the Arabs. They invariably treat their horses with the greatest kindness and affection; they are the Bedouins' beloved and stanch companions, and on them is the Arabs' sole reliance in their predatory excursions; they inhabit the same tent, and the neck of the horse is not unfrequently the pillow of the Arab and his family; yet no accident ever occurs; the kindness with which he is treated gives him an affection for his master, a desire to please, and a pride in exerting every energy in obedience to his command.

Bad habits are speedily acquired by the horse, and when once learned, are very difficult to break him of.

_In nine cases out of ten they arise_ from the _stupidity, joined to the brutality_, of an _idle, drunken, ill-tempered_ groom; _who, when out of temper, invariably vents his rage_ upon the unoffending animal, which, at last, to protect (or revenge) itself from the besotted tormentor, acquires a habit of kicking and biting at every person and thing coming within its reach, fearing that they are about to maltreat it.

Many horses are condemned as _vicious_, and actually are rendered so through _timidity_ on the part of the _rider_.

The animal may be playful from rest, or a lively temper by nature; the rider, _whose judgment_ may not enable him to _discriminate_ between playfulness, nervousness, or vice, becomes alarmed, and, consequently, loses his self-command; and, perhaps, not having learned the _correct mode of using_ his _hands and reins_, in his _boisterous endeavours_ to _save himself from falling_, imparts fear to his horse. The animal naturally imagines he has been guilty of some great fault, and is _fearful of punishment_; and should he _not be familiar with the voice of his rider_, then a mutual struggle for safety takes place, and causes an accident. The horse is _then_ condemned as "_vicious_," though the rider was _alone_ in fault. The _same horse_, in the hands of an _experienced_ horseman, would become as QUIET as ever. We often find that really dangerous horses have been reclaimed by ladies riding them!

This is entirely owing to their using them _gently_, but firmly, and speaking to them kindly; by these means confidence is imparted, and makes them

"All that a horse should be, which nought did lack Save a good rider on so proud a back."

A few minutes' riding will be sufficient to discover the nature and temper of a horse, likewise what system of treatment has been pursued towards him (which, in consequence, must be still followed).

There are very many persons who are considered good hors.e.m.e.n, who have no fear, and will ride anything, or _at_ anything, yet have no idea, beyond the mere fact of riding, whether the saddle, bridle, and accoutrements are properly placed. The neglect of attending to these matters has caused many serious accidents.

The _method_ of gracefully _holding_ and _using_ the _reins_ is _very important_, although but _little understood_ or _attended_ to; in fact, it seems but _a secondary_ consideration with Riding-masters, where it should be a SINE QUA NON. One person may pull at a runaway horse with all his strength, but to no purpose; another possessing that knowledge shall be able to manage, and hold him with a pack-thread.