light in the saddle

Your "almost happiness!" — and "burden," of life did you mean? for I never saw one lighter mounted on a finer horse!
(April 1852, Scenes Beyond the Western Border;
and Scenes and Adventures in the Army)

The Hospital Steward -- even he
(Sacred in person as a priest),
And on his coat-sleeve broidered nice
Wore the caduceus, black and green.
No wonder he sat so light on his beast;
This cheery man in suit of price
Not even Mosby dared to slice. (The Scout Toward Aldie)

"Pathetic grow'st thou," Derwent said:
And lightly, as in leafy glade,
Lightly he in the saddle sat.   (Clarel 2.8)