Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-05-17
A Daring Deed of Horsemanship.

The following is sketch of Mexican riding:
I" If you feel disposed to risk doubloon-I am
but poor hunter and cannot place more-I shall
attempt what muchacito OF. ten years would con.
slider feat, perhaps"
And what may that be, Senior Cabalero? ~
asked the officer, sneeringly.
81 will check my horse at full galop on the
brow of yonder cliff"
"Within two lengths from the brow ?"
"Within two lengths-less the same distance
that is traced here on the banks of the sequai!'
The surprise created by this announcement held
the bystanders for some moments in silence. 1t
was proposal of such wild and reckless daring
that was difficult to believe that the maker of it
was in earnest. Even the two officers were for a
moment staggered by it, and inclined to fancy the
Cabalero was not serious, but mockiEg them
The cliff to which Carlos had pointed was part
of the bluff that hemmed in the valley. 1t was a
sort of promontory, however, that jutted out from
the general line, so as to be conspicuous object
from the plain below. Its brow was of equal
hight with the rest Of the precipice, Of which it
part-a sort Of buttress; and grassy turf
that appeared along its edge was but the continue
ton of the upper plateau. Its ledge, although
horizontal seams traversng its face showed STRAIT
ificaton of lime and sandstone alternating with
each other. From the sward upon the valley to
the brow above the nights was 1000 feet short.
To gaze up to it was trial to delicate nerves; to
look down put the stoutest to the proof Ali stood
watching him with anxious eyes. Every movement
was noted He first alighted from the saddle,
stripped off his magma, had it carried back and
placed out of the way. He next looked to his
spurs to that the straps were properly buckled.
After this he retied his sash, and placed his SOM
brero firmly on his head. He buttoned his vevet-
cen calzoneros down nearly to his ankles, SO that
their leather buttons might not flap open and dis
commode him. His hunting-knife along with his
whip he gave to the charge of Don Juan. His
attention was next turned to the horse that stood
all this time with his neck curved proudly as though
he OWNED that he was to be called upon for some
signal service. The bride was first scrutinized.
The great bit-a Mameluke-was carefully exam
ined lest there might be some flaw or crack in the
steel. The head strap was buckled to its proper
tightness, and then the reins were infinitely scam
ned. These were the hairs of wild horses tail,
closely and neatly plated. The saddle now had
its turn Passing from side to side, Carlos tied
both stirrup-leathers, and examined the great
wooden blocks which formed the stirrups. The
girth was the last IS well as the most important
object Of his solicitude. He loosened the buckles
on both sides, and then frightened them, using bis
knee to effect his purpose. When drawn to his
liking the tip of his finger could not have been
passed under the strong leather band
No wonder he observed all this caution, as the
swapping of strap, Or the slipping Of buckle,
isfed himself that all was right he gathered up the
reins and leaped lively into the saddle.
He first directed his horse on walk along the
cliff, within few feet of its edge. This was to
strengthen both himself and the animal Presently
the walk became trot, and then gentle canter.
Even this was an exhibition fearful to behold. To
those regarding it from below, it was beautiful
but terrible spectacle. After while he headed back
towards the plain and then stretching into gallop
the gait in which he intended to approach the
cliff-he suddenly refined up again, SO as to throw
his horse nearly on his tanks.
Again he resumed the same gallop, and again
refined up; and this Vancouver he repeated about
a dozen times, now with his horses head turned
towards the cliff, and now in the direction of the
plain A tlast he was seen to turn his horses head
towards the cliff, and take his frmest seat in the
saddle. The determined glance of his eve showed
that the moment had come for the final trial. A
slight touch of the spur set the noble brute in
motion, and in another moment he was in full
gaop, and heading directly for the cliff! The sus-
pense was of short duration. Twenty strides
brought horse and horseman close to the verge,
within half dozen lengths The rein still hung
loose-Carlos dared not tighten it-a touch he
knew would bring his horse to halt and that be-
fore he had crossed the line, would only be failure.
Another leap !-another-ye another! Ho! He
is inside. Great God he will be overl
Just as the horse appeared about to spring over
the horrd brink, the reins were observed suddenly
to tighten, the fore hoos became fixed and spread,
and the hips of the noble animal rested upon the
plain. He was poised at scarce three feet from
A. - A. =, ~
horseman raised his right hand, lifted his sombrero,
and after waving it round returned it to his head.
A splendid picture from below! The dark forms
of both horse and rider were perceived as they
drew up the cliff, and the imposing and graceful
attitude fully developed against the blue back
ground Of the sky. The arms, the limbs, the oval
outlines Of the steed, even the very trappings
could be seen distinctly; and for the short period
in which they were poised and motonless, the
spectator might have fancied an equestrian statue
Of bronze, its pedestal the pinnacle Of the cliff.