The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-02-19
Saw-Horsemanship for Clergymen.

Saw-Horsemanship for Clergymen,
concur with Rev. DR.. Todd, in his esti
mate of the importance of horseback riding
to promote the health of clergymen. but
have found substitute-a horse of another
stock-some Of whose "points" would
like to mention to your readers, especially
your clerical ones. For few of US have pa
rishioners whose" " sense of duty will prompt
them to convert US at once into hippocen-
tami.
lst. AS to his build my horse is rather
below the ordinary statue, but, on that &C.
count, more readily mounted. Indeed, l find
It requires no effort to vault from the ground
to his back. Ther too, he is stately, sure
footed, never runs, and never SHES, while l
have never been compelled to use physical
force, or adopt any system of gymnastics in
breaking him to the saddle.
2dly. His keeping costs me actually moth
ing; ne needs neither hay nor oats he feeds
on the air, and yet he is in prime condition
he does not eat his head off every year he
lives; | never am obliged to groom him, FL
ling my hair, beard and garments, with the
odors of the stable. He requires no halter
or blanket. He never drinks-even water.
He stands wherever l leave him, day or
night, winter and summer. Place can nei-
ther lessen him, nor aggrandize. He is per-
iec'ly contented, and thrives equally, whelh-
er in stable, shed, cellar, or out of doors en-
tirely.
3dly. The original expense of such horse
as mine, varies according to the size and
style OF the animal, but is very slight. |
have paid from twenty-five to seventy
fve-cents, for the specimens which l have
owned; with sufficient strength, should say
the lighter the better.
4ihiy. For riding apparatus, one needs an
old hat the worse the better, an old coat,
and pair of leather mittens. No over.coat
is 'eqli,i;e, and sometimes it is more COM
Portable to lay off the under coat, and ride
in ones Shirt sleeves No saddle or bride
is required. lad almost forgotten to men
ton the necessity OF wood pile and a sharp
saw. This completes the outfit. Thus ac-
coutered. this breed of horses is wonderful
for awakening mans thoughts and furnish
ing him in tie sermons and remarks for an
hISersaries, Is we'll as caring the blues and
he dyspepsia.
5thly. This horse is an excellent family
horse. His influence is felt in plrlor, and
atlicS, upon wife and children, and domestic.
Even III babe in the nursery. could it speak,
would feel called upon to bless him.
6thly. This horse Of mine find good for
my parishioners. They are g,d to know
that " saw my own wood They like the
horny feeling of my hands, when ! greet
them from their workshops, and barns, and
kitchens. Then, too, this horse rides down
the notion that the minister is aristocra,ic,
and IS unable to make pedestrian tours over
his parish, as NEST of his people Go. And
finally under this head 20 keep no other
horse, furnishes ones people with the oppor-
tunity of sending around their horses for the
pastors use. have at least two excellent
horses, vertable horsefiesh aud blood, which
are mostly at my service, If any members
of my family need carriage ride for health
or pleasure.
7thly. This horse Of mine is not exposed
to wounds, fractures, diSlocations and ulcers.
He never has the bind-stagsers, and pitches
his rider headlong. He is long lived. have
owned five such horses one in the academy,
one in college, one in the theological semin-
ary, and two in the ministry. But they were
all perfectly sound when | parted with them
and presume, may be so to this day, if they
have not been put out of the word by force.
DIR. Todd trusts in horse, l in a saw
horse. This is the cavalry in which l serve,
to use Cicero's expression above quoted. In
the early morning, while the stars are still
shining,l array myself in cast off hab.Iiments,
ignite my lantern, seek the wood -shel, and
take an ante breakfast ride. Ny brain is
clearer my hand "a Staad;ar INV nrIsa s,rono
er, my sermons better and my faith brighter
for the brisk excursus. NJ walking gait go
|. lput my horse to the galop. My chest
expands; my arms strengthen; my cheeks
glow, and when the second bell rings for
breakfast, can stalk in medias res "-eat-
ing and drinking what other human beings
do, and not fretting and starving myself up
on a minister's meager diet.-Boston Recor-
DER