The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling ExercisesHenderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Science
The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises
Henderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Horsemanship
The subject of the plate, therefore, has some of the very best English
blood in his veins, in conjunction with that Eastern strain from which
in all probability our magnificent British thoroughbreds derive a
considerable proportion of their power of endurance, or, in turf
phraseology, their staying quality.
The horse is a first-class hack, as good a performer over the great
Leicestershire pastures and formidable oxers which so often bar the way
in that sporting county, as he has already proved himself in the
_manége_; and, as he possesses, in addition to true and most elastic
action, fine temper and indomitable courage, I venture to present his
likeness as my type of the sort of animal adapted either for Rotten-row
or to hold his own in the "first flight" over a country.
A common error is that any weedy thoroughbred, too slow for racing, and
without the "timber" and substance to enable him to carry a 10-stone man
to hounds, is good enough for a lady's riding. There can be no greater
mistake. While quality and fashion are indispensable in a woman's horse,
strength and substance are equally necessary. As I have before observed,
the very conditions upon which the comfort and safety of a lady's riding
depend, leave her horse without that support in his action which he
would derive from the riding of a good man; while, however true the
balance of the lady may be, still the horse's powers are called upon in
a long ride, either on the flat or over the country, in a way which
tests him severely. There must therefore be plenty of wear and tear in
the right place--great strength in the loins, a back _not too short_,
aided by strong and well-arched back ribs, which are at the same time
not too closely locked up.
The Arab horse proper, despite his great capability of endurance, his
symmetrical contour and extraordinary sagacity, is still a trying mount
for a lady unaccustomed to him. With great power in his hind quarters
(as a rule), he is short in the back, low and short in front of the
saddle. The consequence is that from his powerful back action, he
pitches too much in his collected paces to ride pleasantly to a woman,
although when striding away at top speed he is easy enough.
On the other hand, the English horse that possesses length enough to
enable him to travel easily under the fair equestrian too often has the
length in the wrong place, and cannot stay--a defect fatal to enjoyable
riding for a lady, at all events in the hunting field.
It is to the admixture of Eastern and Western blood, therefore, that one
has to look for symmetry of topping conjoined to length in the right
place, power, and substance.
I now proceed to say a few words as to the "aids" to be employed to put
the horse in motion. In order to impress these thoroughly upon the
memory of the fair tyro, the preceptor should adopt a form of question
and answer to the following effect:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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