Page:Annals of horsemanship (1792).djvu/126

 One Stanurtius (a very learned old Author), tells us, that in his time, the Wild Irish (I don't understand how he distinguishes the Wild Irish) used to ride in a strange way, but you must admit they had no bridles.

"Tubaram fetas, aut equorum auriculas senistrâ apprehendant; atque dum equi obstipis capitibus quieti se inclinant, equites, etiam loricis aut sagis amicti, mera corporis agilitate se efferunt, divaricatriq! cruribus ephippia occupant."

Which may be thus turn'd into English—

"They seize their Horses manes, or their ears, with their left hand, and whilst their Horses were thus kept steady, the Riders, even if covered with their cuirasses or sagums, exerting a wonderful agility of body, spring astride into the saddle."