Chapter II: 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 _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.