The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-10-13

This general disregard of the very best
all forms Of exercise and the most eXhilara-
ting and satisfying of recreations may be,
easily traced to the peculiar habits and pur-
suits of our people, and the practical and
.business-lke nature of which can only be
accommodated by the harness and carnage.
Subordinate TO this cause is the lack OF
well-trained saddle-borses, which would not
exist If there was any considerable demand
to be supplied. II is great mistake to sup
pose that any nag which can be safely be-
stridden by man, and to troll or canter at
will, is saddle-horse. When our breeders
pay more attention to training for the saddle
the demand for horses will be increased.
Many would ride who now lind no comfort
or pleasure In hestriding the shambling,
loose-gaited horses which are often kept for
saddle use at livery stable.
Upon the sanitary benefits to be derived
from exercise in the saddle we need not
comment. This is subject well understood
by all classes. and the practice is daily adj
Vised by physicians as q specific in many all
ments which medicines cannot reach.
Gymnastics, cricket, boating, walking,
etc, are all excellent modes Of exercise,
some one or all of which should occupy the
attention Of those who would enjoy perfect
health; but neither one nor all Of them can
be compared with the daily practice of horse
back-rlding as an invigorator of the system,
particularly in certain classes Of diseases en-
rendered by sedent2ry occupation. The
proper amount of exercise by the usual
modes can only be obtained at the expense
of muscular effort, which, after the novelty
wears of, becomes mere labcrious drudgery.
Horseback-riding is entirely free from this
objection. The use of the horse in any form
is never drudgery to him who really loves
5he animal, and misunderstanding calls into
play so many of the attributes of the mind
, hat it must always be considered the per-
{, etion Of recreation and exercise combined.
II demands the exercise of prudence and
for, ethought in the general management and
care of the horse intelligence and skill in
teach ing him his PAGES and the best way of
using his powers for our advantage. 1t
teache; presence of mind: courage, quick
ness of eye, GOODNESS in danger, selfreliance,
and n J. Qanly bearing. 1t brings eye and
limb and will into harmony, and makes the
morale and physique. work together for
health and happiness.
The prest ut is just the time for eques.
triapism. the weather is inyigorating, and
the mornings are tine and cool. We urge
mon all who CAN afford it land moneS thus
CNDGUutu bStuIhS idlC1SSsj "
hire or buy horse.
Be up in the morning with the lark, and !!
of "oyer the hills and far away" until
breakfast-t,ne, vixen You viii have an appe- !
lite that viii astonish those who have played |
the sIllggard, and you vii! so to your busi-
ness with Yigor that can be obtained in 10
other way. Let inva!tds. particularly con-
sumptiyes. discard drugs and buy saddle-
horses, live out OF doors aud in the genial
sun and pure air, and so gain new Jesse of
life. Those women who can find the means
and the leisure should by all meaEs pe1eet
themselves 10 an accomplishment in which
they are without rivals and the little poys
and girls should have their ponies long 0e'
fore the music.teacher and the dancing-mas-
ter are employed. Youth Is the time to ride
well and gracefully, and parents make
great mistake in neglecting to provide
pleasure so beneficial to children.