a thing or two

[Peter Jiong]

‘That’s a mighty fine hack you’ve got there, sir, but he takes some riding.’—‘I know he does,’ I said; ‘but I flatter myself I know a thing or two more than most horses.’

(From Mrs. Craddock by W Somerset Maugham）
What does "some riding" mean?

What does "know a thing or two more than most horses" mean?

Thanks.

 

[GoesStation]

He takes some riding: it takes skill to ride him.

I know a thing or two more than most horses: I'm smarter than the average horse; I think I'll be able to handle him.

 

[Skrej]

‘but I flatter myself I know a thing or two more than most horses.’

The humor here is the self-deprecating suggestion that he's only smarter than most (but not all!) horses. He's humorously allowing for the possibility some horses might outsmart him. :lol: