Page:Annals of horsemanship (1792).djvu/125

 Whether Adam, or Cain, or Abel ever rode, it does not appear; but they had Horses, and Dogs, and Foxes, and Hares; and why are we not to suppose that they went a hunting, and had as good sport as we have (nay, better: for they had no Huntsmen)? They must, however, have rode without saddles, it is pretty clear.

I do not find that these superfluities were held in much esteem in the time of the Romans. Raphael, in his picture of Attila, at Rome, has treated us with a Hun or two, riding after the fashion of their country, I suppose. The devil a bit of a bridle have they—nothing but a strap round their Horses neck, which they hold at each end with their hands. Nor are their Nags of the quietest either, but seem to be showing their agility and caprioles to the best advantage. By no means such Palfreys as either I, or you Mr. Gambado, would like to bestride without a bridle, and a good plain saddle too.