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[Illustration]
[Illustration: Graceful Riding
A
POCKET MANUAL
For Equestrians,
BY S.C. Waite Esq^{RE}
LONDON
ROBERT HARDWICKE 192 PICCADILLY
AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.]
GRACEFUL RIDING.
A
POCKET MANUAL FOR EQUESTRIANS.
ABRIDGED AND REVISED FROM "WAITE'S EQUESTRIAN'S MANUAL,"
DEDICATED TO H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT.
BY
S. C. WAITE, ESQ.
LONDON:
ROBERT HARDWICKE, 192, PICCADILLY:
AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1859.
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 gratitude--has induced him to compile for
the use of Equestrians of both sexes 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;
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.
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.
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 horsemen, 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.
* * * * *
RUNAWAY HORSES are most frequently made so by bad and timid riders, who
make use of a whip and spurs without having a _firm seat_. Such persons
are easily unseated on the horse shying, or jumping about in a playful
mood; then, in their endeavours to recover themselves, they slacken
their reins, and at the same time unintentionally goad him with their
spurs, or strike him with their whip. In clutching at the reins, the
horse becoming frightened, naturally increases his speed, until, from
the continued irritation of whip and spur, in the terrified horseman's
futile attempts to subdue him, the horse becomes maddened with terror
and excitement, and ultimately throws his rider.
* * * * *
SHYING is often the result of skittishness or affectation at first. This
may be easily overcome and cured, at its commencement, by the judicious
treatment of the rider, in using firmness tempered with kindness;
avoiding all harsh measures, and passing the horse several times quietly
by the object which caused him to shy. A word, half-scolding,
half-encouraging, with a gentle pressure of the heel, or a slight touch
of the spur or whip, will convince him there is nothing to fear; and,
further, will give the animal _confidence_ in his rider on future
occasions.
* * * * *
KICKING is a dangerous vice, and generally the result of an idle groom
or stable-boy playing with the horse, and pinching him on the loins; so
that, should any extraneous substance be in the padding of the saddle,
or the flaps of a coat touch him there, or even a hand be thoughtlessly
laid on his quarters, he immediately commences kicking to dislodge the
cause. Once succeeding, he has invariably recourse to the same remedy,
until the habit becomes confirmed.
There are many valuable horses ruined by thoughtlessness and
folly.--This is more frequently the case with animals of high courage.
In many instances, a _very trivial_ alteration in the adjustment of the
saddle or bridle, &c. (had the rider been properly instructed, and
therefore possessing the knowledge how such alterations should be made),
would have saved great danger and annoyance to the rider, and
_unnecessary_ pain to the horse.
* * * * *
WHEN A HORSE IS KICKING, the rider should throw his body _well back_,
raise the horse's head, and apply the whip smartly over his shoulders.
Rearing is very dangerous, and most difficult to break. It is often
caused by the bit being too sharp for the horse, his mouth being tender,
or perhaps sore.
_When rearing_, the whole weight of horse and rider being thrown
perpendicularly on the animal's hind legs, the _most trifling_ check
from the rider's hand would cause him to fall backwards; the rider must
drop his hand as before, loosen the reins, and throw his whole weight on
his shoulders, at the same time catching him 'round the neck with his
right hand. These directions will much assist in bringing him down on
his feet again, and prevent the rider's body from falling backwards.
Unsteadiness in mounting is very often the consequence of the horse's
eagerness and anxiety to start. It is generally the fault with
thorough-bred, high-couraged, young and nervous horses. It is a most
annoying fault, especially with elderly and timid riders, many of whom
are frequently thrown before they can firmly seat themselves.
This is only to be cured by an active and good horseman, combined with
firm, though gentle and kind, usage; by approaching him gently and
patting him, mounting at the _first_ effort, and when seated,
restraining him, patting his neck, and speaking kindly to him, but, at
the same time, not allowing him to move until he is perfectly quiet. In
a few days he will be quite cured of his fault. Remember! _harshness
must never be used_ in this case, as great mischief may be done by such
a course, and the habit _will be confirmed_.
KINDNESS will succeed generally in most cases of vice; HARSHNESS _never
will_ in any!
The position of the saddle should be in accordance with the formation of
the horse's shoulders, and about a hand's breadth from them, so as not
in any way to interfere with or impede the _free action_ of the muscles.
The malposition of the saddle, particularly in horses with upright
shoulders, is the cause of many horses falling, from its pressing too
much on the shoulders, and by that means confining the action of the
muscles, which thus become benumbed, and lose their elasticity. A
partial deadening of the limbs having taken place, the horse, from want
of vitality in the legs, stumbles, and is unable, through the torpidity
of the muscles, to recover himself, and falls to the ground; in many
cases he has been known to fall as if shot.
The saddle should be wide, and roomy. The length of the stirrups should
be such as to give ease to both horse and rider; the latter ought at all
times to assimilate his movements in the saddle to those of the horse in
his stride.
A tight rein should always be avoided, because, if he carries his head
low, it tends to deaden his mouth, and teaches him the bad habit of
depending upon the bridle for support; in which case, he always goes
heavily in hand, and on his shoulders. The horse should at all times be
taught to go on his haunches.
If the horse naturally carries his head well, it is better to ride him
with a light hand, only just feeling his mouth.
"With neck like a rainbow, erecting his crest,
Pamper'd, prancing, and pleased, his head touching his breast;
Scarcely snuffing the air, he's so proud and elate,
The high-mettled racer first starts for the plate."
OLD SONG.
ON PROPERLY FIXING THE BRIDLE, SADDLE, &c.
THE BRIDLE.
In fitting the bridle, THE CURB BIT should be placed so that the
mouth-piece be but one inch above the lower tusk,--in mares, two inches
above the corner tooth; THE BRIDOON touching the corner of the lips, so
as to fit easy, without wrinkling them; THE HEADSTALL parallel to the
projecting cheek-bone, and behind it; THE THROAT LASH should be
sufficiently long to fall just below the cheek-bone, and not lay over or
upon it; THE NOSE BAND should be placed low--but that must depend very
much on the size of the horse's mouth--and not buckled tight; THE CURB,
when properly fitted, should be flat and smooth in the hollow of the
lips, so as to admit one finger easily between.
THE SADDLE
should be placed in the middle of the horse's back, about a hand's
breadth, or four or five inches, from the shoulders, so as to give
perfect freedom to the action of the muscles of the shoulders.
THE GIRTHS must be laid evenly one over the other, and admit freedom for
one finger between the girth and the horse's belly. THE SURCINGLE should
fit neatly over the girths, and not be buckled tighter than they are.
The large ring of THE BREASTPLATE or MARTINGALE should be placed about
two inches above the sharp breast-bone, and should allow of the hand
being laid flat between it and the shoulders.
THE STIRRUPS.
In length they should be so that the bottom edge of the bar is about
three inches above the heel of the boot. The author always adopts the
following method for ascertaining the correct length of the stirrups,
viz.:--He takes up the stirrup-iron with the right hand, at the same
time placing the bottom of the stirrup-iron under the left arm-pit, he
extends the _left_ arm until the fingers of _that_ hand _easily touch_
the stirrup _buckles_; _this_ is a _sure criterion_ with most people.
ON MOUNTING.
In mounting, the horse should always be approached quietly on the near
(or left) side, and the reins taken up steadily. THE SNAFFLE (or
bridoon) rein first, then pass this rein along the palm of the left
hand, between the forefinger and thumb. THE CURB REIN must now be drawn
over the little finger, and both reins being held of an equal length,
and having an even pressure on the horse's mouth, must be laid over
each other, being held firmly in the hand, the thumb pressing hard upon
them to prevent them slipping through the fingers. Be particular that
the reins are not taken up too short, for fear it might cause the horse
to rear or run back; _they must be held neither too tight nor too
slack_, _but having an equal feeling of the horse's mouth_. Next take up
a handful of the mane with the right hand, bring it through the full of
the left hand (otherwise the palm), and twist it round the thumb. Take
hold of the stirrup with the right hand, the thumb in front. Place the
left foot in the stirrup as far as the ball of it, placing the right
hand on the cantle (or back part of the saddle), and, by a spring of the
right foot from the instep, the rider should raise himself up in the
stirrup, then move the hand from the cantle to the pummel, to support
the body while the right leg passes clearly over the horse's quarters;
the rider's right knee closes on the saddle and the body falls gently
into it. The left hand now quits the mane, and the second stirrup must
be taken without the help of eye or hand.
The left hand (the bridle hand) must be placed with the wrist rounded
outwards, opposite the centre of the body, and about three inches from
it, letting the right arm drop unconstrained by the side of the thigh.
POSITION IN THE SADDLE.
The rider must sit upright, and equally balanced in the middle of his
saddle, head erect, and his shoulders well thrown back, his chest
advanced, the small of his back bent forward, but without stiffness. The
hollow part of the arm should hang down straight from the shoulder, the
lower part square to the upper, the thighs well stretched down, the
_flat part_ to the saddle, so that the fore part of the knees may press
and grasp it. Let the legs hang down easily and naturally, close to the
horse's sides, with the feet parallel to the same, and the heels well
depressed; the toes raised from the instep, and as near the horse's
sides as the heels; the feet retained in the stirrups by an easy play of
the ankle and stirrup, the stirrup to be kept under the ball of the
foot, the joint of the wrist kept easy and pliable, so as to give and
take as occasion may require. _A firm and well-balanced position on
horseback is of the utmost importance_, it affects the horse in every
motion, and failure in this proves one of his greatest impediments, and
will naturally injure him in all his movements.
In riding, the hands and legs should act in correspondence in
everything, the latter being always held subservient to the former.
It is easy to discover those who have been thoroughly instructed in the
_manege_, by their firm, graceful, and uniform position in the saddle,
and their ready and skilful application of the aids or motions, and the
correct appliance of the bridle, hands, and legs; such being
_indispensable_ to the skilful guidance and control of the horse.