CHAPTER X. TESTS OF HORSEMANSHIP.

To be an accomplished rider, or at least to be a fair performer in the saddle, a man should be able to pass the following tests :—

1. To ride a difficult horse.

2. To ride in a steeplechase.

3. To ride a trotting match.

4. To ride a flat race.

5. To be able to break and ride a school horse.

Riding a difficult horse, when it is only a question of remaining on his back, is simply an affair of strength of seat and pluck. It is sufficient to be a good rider and a bit of a dare-devil. But we require a knowledge of reasoned-out equitation to anticipate and thwart his defences.

I place steeplechase riding in the second rank, although it requires great strength of seat and pluck. A cross-country jockey has to be a good rider, rather than a good horseman ; but steeplechase riding requires less delicacy of handling and tact than the following tests.

I think match trotting comes in the third rank as regards judgment and knowledge. It is evident that if the rider of a trotter cannot accurately tell when his horse is at the top of his speed, he will continue to push him, and will make him break into the gallop. But judgment of pace is much more