A Pocket Manuel For Equestrians

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;
assisting 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 hitherto 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
_négligé_ 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.


[Illustration]




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.