file which includes the original illustrations4 ,see #djbbj-;h4htm or #djbbj-;h4zip3 7https3_/_/www4gutenberg4org_/cache_/epu b_/#djbbj_/pg#djbbj-;images4html7 or 7https3_/_/www4gutenberg4org_/files_/#dj bbj_/djbbj-;h4zip7 ,images of the original pages are available through ,internet ,archive_/,american ,libraries4 ,see http3_/_/archive4org_/details_/howwomens houldri#jj;dehu ,,how ,,women ,,should ,,ride by ,c4 ,,de ,,hurst ,illustrated ,illustration ,new ,york ,harper ,brothers1 ,franklin ,square #ahib ,copyright1 #ahib1 by ,,harper ,,brothers4 ,all rights reserved4 ,,to ,e4 ,e4 ,f4 ,,to ,,whom ,i ,,owe ,,the ,,experience ,,which ,,has ,,enabled ,,me ,,to ,,write ,,of ,,riding ,,this ,,book ,,is ,,gratefully ,,and ,,affectionately ,,dedicated ,,introduction ,it has not been the intention of the author of this little volume to present the reader with elaborate chapters of technical essays4 ,entire libraries have been written on the care and management of the horse from the date of its foaling2 book upon book has been compiled on the best and proper method of acquiring some degree of skill in the saddle4 ,the author has scarcely hoped1 therefore1 to exhaust in #bdh pages a subject which1 after having been handled on the presses of nearly every publisher in this country and ,england1 yet contains unsettled points for the discussion of argumentative horse-men and horse-women4 ,but it happens with riding--as1 indeed1 it does with almost every other subject--that we ignore the simpler side for the more intricate4 ,we delve into a masterpiece1 suitable for a professional1 on the training of a horse1 when the chances are we do not know how to saddle him4 ,we stumble through heavy articles on bitting1 the technical terms of which we do not understand1 when if our own horse picked up a stone we probably would be utterly at a loss what to do4 ,we1 both men and women1 are too much inclined to gallop over the fundamental lessons1 which should be conned over again and again until thoroughly mastered4 ,we are restive in our novitiate period1 impatient to pose as past-masters in an art before we have acquired its first principles4 ,beginning with a bit of advice to parents1 of which they stand sorely in need1 it is the purpose of this book to carry the girl along the bridle-path1 from the time she puts on a habit for the first attempt1 to that when she joins the ,hunt for a run across country after the hounds4 ,there is no intention of wearying and confusing her by a formidable array of purely technical instruction4 ,the crying fault with nearly all those who have handled this subject at length has been that of distracting the uninformed reader by the most elaborate dissertation on all points down to the smallest details4 ,this author1 on the contrary1 has shorn the instruction of all hazy intricacies1 with which the equestrienne has so often been asked to burden herself1 and brought out instead only those points essential to safety1 skill1 and grace in the saddle4 ,no space has been wasted on unnecessary technicalities which the woman is not likely to either understand or care to digest1 but everything has been written with a view of aiding her in obtaining a sound1 practical knowledge of the horse1 under the saddle and in harness4 ,,contents ,,chapter ,i ,a ,,word ,,to ,,parents ,page #c ,dangers of ,early ,riding1 #d4--,vanity1 #i4 ,,chapter ,,ii ,,girls ,,on ,,horseback #ac ,hints to ,mothers1 #ac4--,the ,beginner's ,horse1 #ad4--;,costuming1 #af4--,preparatory ,lessons1 #af4--;,instructors1 #bj4--;,balance1 #ba4--;,hands1 #bc4--,position1 #be4--,management1 #bf4 ,,chapter ,,iii ,,beginning ,,to ,,ride #ca ,form1 #cb4--;,insufficient ,training1 #cc4--,mounting1 #cd4--;,dismounting1 #cg4--,stirrup1 #ch4 ,,chapter ,,iv ,,in ,,the ,,saddle #dc ,below the ,waist1 #dd4--;,above the ,waist1 #dh4--;,hands and ,wrists1 #di4--,reins1 #ec4 ,,chapter ,v ,,emergencies #fc ,eagerness to ,start1 #fc4--,shyers1 #fe4--,stumblers1 #ff4--,rearers1 #ff4--,plungers1 #fg4--;,buckers1 #fh4--,pullers1 #gj4--,runaways1 #gb4--,punishment1 #gf4 ,,chapter ,,vi ,,choosing ,a ,,mount #hc ,an ,adviser1 #hc4--,park ,hack1 #hg4--,measurement1 #hh4--;,conformation1 #ij4--;,hunter1 #id4--;,gait and ,manners1 #ie4 ,,chapter ,,vii ,,dress #ii ,skirt1 #ajj4--,safety ,skirt1 #ajj4--;,divided ,skirt1 #ajb4--;,bodice1 #ajc4--,waistcoat1 #ajd4--;,corsets1 #aje4--;,boots1 ,breeches1 ,tights1 #ajf4--;,collars and ,cuffs1 #aaj4--;,gloves1 #aaa4--;,hair and ,hat1 #aab4--,veil1 #aac4--,whip or ,crop1 #aac4--,spur1 #aad4 ,,chapter ,,viii ,,leaping #aba ,requirements1 #aba4--;,in the ,ring1 #abb4--;,approaching ,jump1 #abb4--,taking off1 #abd4--,landing1 #abe4--,lifting1 #abf4--,out-of-,doors1 #abg4--,pilot1 #abh4--,selecting a ,panel1 #abh4--,stone ,wall1 #acj4--;,in ,hand1 #aca4--,trappy ,ground and ,drops1 #aca4--;,in and ,out1 #acc4--,picket and ,slat ,fences1 #acd4--,wire1 #ace4--;,combined ,obstacles1 #acf4--,refusing1 #acf4--,timidity1 #acg4--,temper1 #ach4--,rider at ,fault1 #aci4 ,,chapter ,,ix ,,leaping 7continued7 #ade ,rushers1 #ade4--;,balkers1 #adg4--,sluggards1 #adi4--;,falls1 #aej4 ,,chapter ,x ,,riding ,,to ,,hounds #aei ,courtesy1 #aei4--,the ,novice1 #afa4--;,hard ,riding1 #afb4--;,jealous ,riding1 #afc4--;,desirable ,qualities1 #afd4--;,getting ,away1 #afe4--;,indecision1 #aff4--,right of ,way1 #afg4--;,funk1 #afh4--;,excitable and ,sluggish ,horses1 #afi4--,proximity to ,hounds1 #agj4--;,choosing a ,line1 #agb4 ,,chapter ,,xi ,,sympathy ,,between ,,horse ,,and ,,woman #agi ,talking to ,horse1 #ahj4--;,in the ,stall1 #ahc4--,on the ,road1 #ahe4--;,cautions1 #ahg4 ,,chapter ,,xii ,,practical ,,knowledge ,,of ,,the ,,stable #aic ,stabling1 #aic4--,picking up ,feet1 #aid4--;,grooming1 #aig4--;,bitting1 #aig4--;,clipping1 #aii4--;,bridling1 #bjj4--,noseband1 #bjb4--,martingale1 #bjc4--;,breast-plate1 #bjd4--,the ,saddle1 #bje4--,stirrup1 #bjh4--;,girths1 #bji4--,saddling1 #baj4 ,,chapter ,,xiii ,,something ,,on ,,driving #bae ,desirability of ,instruction1 #bae4--,vulgar ,display1 #bah4--;,bad ,form1 #bai4--;,costume1 #bbj4--;,cockade1 #bba4--;,confidence1 #bbb4--,the ,family-,horse ,fallacy1 #bbb4--,on the ,box1 #bbc4--,position of ,reins1 #bbd4--;,handling ,reins1 #bbe4--;,a ,pair1 #bbf4 ,,chapter ,,xiv ,,something ,,more ,,on ,,driving #bca ,management1 #bca4--,stumbling1 #bcb4--;,backing1 #bcb4--,rearing and ,kicking1 #bcd4--,rein under ,tail1 #bcf4--;,bolting and ,running1 #bch4--;,crowded ,driveways1 #bci4--,road ,courtesy1 #bda4--,tandems and ,teams1 #bdc4--,reins1 #bdd4--,unruly ,leader1 #bde4--,turning1 #bdf4 ,illustrations ,,correct ,,position ,facing p4 #bd ,,incorrect ,,position #bf ,,incorrect ,,left ,,leg ,,and ,,heel #dc ,,correct ,,left ,,leg ,,and ,,heel #dd ,,incorrect ,,right ,,thigh ,,and ,,knee #df ,,correct ,,right ,,thigh ,,and ,,knee #dg ,,correct ,,knuckles1 ,,side ,,view #ej ,,incorrect ,,position ,,of ,,hands #ea ,,hands ,,in ,,good ,,form1 ,,front ,,view #eb ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside1 ,,front ,,view #ed ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside1 ,,side ,,view #ee ,,reins ,,in ,,two ,,hands1 ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside ,facing p4 #ef ,,position ,,of ,,reins ,,and ,,hands ,,in ,,jumping1 ,,curb ,,outside1 ,,snaffle ,,inside #eg ,,reins ,,in ,,two ,,hands1 ,,curb ,,outside1 ,,snaffle ,,inside1 ,,side ,,view #eh ,,hands ,,and ,,seat ,,in ,,rearing ,facing p4 #ff ,,crop #aad ,a ,,good ,,spur #aae ,,taking ,,off ,facing p4 #abd ,,about ,,to ,,land #abf ,,double ,,bridle ,,for ,,general ,,use #bjb ,,correct ,,saddle #bje ,,undesirable ,,saddle #bjf ,,safety ,,stirrup1 ,,closed #bji ,,safety ,,stirrup1 ,,open #baj ,a ,,well-,,balanced ,,cart ,facing p4 #bbj ,,position ,,in ,,tandem ,,driving #bdd ,i ,a ,,word ,,to ,,parents ,riding has been taken up so generally in recent years by the mature members of society that its espousal by the younger element is quite in the natural order of events4 ,we can look upon the declaration of ,young ,america for sport with supreme gratification1 as it argues well for the generation to come1 but we should not lose sight of the fact that its benefits may be more than counterbalanced by injudiciously forcing these tastes4 ,that there is danger of this is shown by the tendency to put girls on horseback at an age much too tender to have other than harmful results4 ,it is marvellous that a mother who is usually most careful in guarding her child's safety should allow her little one to incur the risks attendant upon riding 7which are great enough for a person endowed with strength1 judgment1 and decision7 without proper consideration of the dangers she is exposed to at the time1 or a realization of the possible evil effects in the future4 ,sidenote3 ,dangers of ,early ,riding ,surely parents do not appreciate what the results may be1 or they would never trust a girl of eight years or thereabouts to the mercy of a horse1 and at his mercy she is bound to be4 ,no child of that age1 or several years older1 has strength sufficient to manage even an unruly pony1 which1 having once discovered his power1 is pretty sure to take advantage of it at every opportunity2 and no woman is worthy the responsibilities of motherhood who will permit her child to make the experiment4 ,even if no accident occurs1 the knowledge of her helplessness may so frighten the child that she will never recover from her timidity4 ,it is nonsense to say she will outgrow it2 early impressions are never entirely eradicated2 and should she in after-life appear to regain her courage1 it is almost certain at a critical moment to desert her1 and early recollections reassert themselves4 ,the vagaries of her own mount are not the only dangers to which the unfortunate child is exposed4 ,many accidents come from collisions caused by some one else's horse bolting2 and it is not to be expected1 when their elders often lose their wits completely1 that shoulders so young should carry a head cool enough to make escape possible in such an emergency4 ,it is a common occurrence to hear parents inquiring for a perfectly safe horse for a child4 ,such a thing does not exist1 and the idea that it does often betrays one into trusting implicitly an animal which needs perhaps constant watching4 ,if fresh or startled1 the capers of the most gentle horse will not infrequently create apprehension1 because totally unexpected4 ,on the other hand1 if he is too sluggish to indulge in any expressions of liveliness1 he is almost sure to require skilful handling and constant urging to prevent his acquiring a slouching gait to which it is difficult to rise4 ,a slouching horse means a stumbling one1 and1 with the inability of childish hands to help him recover his balance1 he is likely to fall4 ,supposing the perfect horse to be a possibility--a girl under sixteen has not the physique to endure without injury to her health such violent exercise as riding4 ,from the side position she is forced to assume1 there is danger of an injured spine1 either from the unequal strain on it or from the constant concussion1 or both4 ,if a mother can close her eyes to these dangers1 insisting that her child shall ride1 a reversible side-saddle is the best safeguard that ,i know of against a curved spine2 but it only lessens the chances of injury1 and is by no means a sure preventive1 although it has the advantage of developing both sides equally4 ,another evil result of beginning too young is that if she escapes misadventures and does well1 a girl is sure to be praised to such an extent that she forms a most exaggerated idea of her prowess in the saddle4 ,by the time she is sixteen she is convinced that there is no room for improvement1 and becomes careless1 lapsing into many of her earlier faults4 ,parents should guard against this4 ,it is often their affection which permits them to see only the good points of their daughter's riding1 and their pride in her skill leads to undue flattery1 which she is only too willing to accept as her due4 ,later ,i shall mention some of the principles a young rider should acquire1 and it is the duty of those who have put her in the saddle when too young to judge for herself to see that she follows them correctly4 ,the necessity of riding in good form cannot be too firmly impressed on her mind4 ,one often hears3 ,oh1 ,i only want to ride a little in the ,park2 so don't bother me about form4 ,i ride for pleasure and comfort1 not work--all of which is wrong2 for1 whether in the ,park1 on the road1 in the country1 or in the hunting-field1 nothing is of more importance than to ride in good form4 ,to do so is to ride easily1 being in the best position to manage the horse1 and therefore it is also to ride safely4 ,sidenote3 ,vanity ,the desire to attract attention often induces women to ride4 ,young girls soon learn to do likewise1 and their attempts at riding for the gallery by kicking the horse with the heel1 jerking its mouth with the curb1 that she may impress people with her dashing appearance1 as the poor tormented animal plunges in his endeavors to avoid the pressure1 are lamentable and frequent sights in many riding-schools4 ,objectionable as this is in an older person1 it is doubly so in a child1 from whom one expects at least modesty instead of such boldness as this betokens4 ,it is to be hoped that those in authority will discourage her attempts at circus riding1 and teach her that a quiet1 unobtrusive manner will secure her more admirers than an air of bravado4 ,,ii ,,girls ,,on ,,horseback ,sidenote3 ,hints to ,mothers ,notwithstanding these numerous reasons to the contrary1 mothers will undoubtedly continue to imperil the life and welfare of children whom it is their mission to protect1 and1 such being the case1 a few directions as to the best and least dangerous course to pursue may be of service to them4 ,sixteen is the earliest age at which a girl should begin to ride1 as she is then strong enough to control her mount1 has more judgment1 is better able to put instruction into practice1 more amenable to reason1 and more attentive to what is told her4 ,if the parents' impatience will not admit of waiting until this desirable period1 it is their duty to see that the child has every advantage that can facilitate her learning1 and to assure her such safety as is within their power4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,beginner's ,horse ,a common theory is that any old screw1 if only quiet1 will do for a beginner4 ,nothing could be more untrue4 ,the horse for a novice should have a short but square and elastic trot1 a good mouth1 even disposition1 and be well-mannered2 otherwise the rider's progress will be greatly impeded4 ,even if the child is very young1 ,i think it is a mistake to put her on a small pony for her first lessons1 as its gaits are so often uneven1 interfering with all attempts at regular rising to the trot4 ,ponies are also more liable to be tricky than horses1 and1 from the rapidity of their movements1 apt to unseat and frighten a beginner4 ,they are very roguish1 and will bolt across a road without any reason1 or stand and kick or rear for their own amusement2 and1 being so quick on their feet1 their various antics confuse a child so that she loses her self-possession and becomes terrified4 ,it is just as bad to go to the other extreme1 as a large1 long-gaited horse will tire the muscles of the back1 and1 if combined with sluggish action1 require twice the exertion needed for a free traveller4 ,furthermore1 it destroys the rhythm of the movement by making the time of her rise only half as long as necessary1 thus giving her a double jolt on reaching the saddle4 ,having secured the right sort of horse1 the saddle should be chosen with great care4 ,sidenote3 ,costuming ,it is a shame that little girls are made to ride in the ill-fitting habits seen half the time4 ,they must set properly1 or the best riders will be handicapped and appear at a disadvantage4 ,a child's skirt should not wrinkle over the hips more than a woman's1 nor should it ruck up over the right knee1 exposing both feet1 while the wind inflates the superfluous folds4 ,above all things1 a girl should not lace nor wear her habit bodice tight1 as no benefit can possibly be derived from riding with the lungs and ribs compressed4 ,sidenote3 ,preparatory ,lessons ,it often happens that a child is put into the saddle before she has had the opportunity of becoming familiar with a horse1 either by visiting it in its stall or going about it when in the stable4 ,a more harmful mistake could not be made2 the child is likely to be afraid of the animal the first time she is placed on its back1 and nothing so interferes with tuition as terror4 ,many of the difficulties of instructing a little girl will be overcome if her familiarity with the horse she is to ride has given her confidence in him4 ,she should frequently be taken to the stable1 and encouraged to give him oats or sugar from her hand1 and to make much of him4 ,meanwhile whoever is with her must watch the animal1 and guard against anything which might startle the child4 ,she may be lifted on to his back2 and if he is suitable to carry her1 he will stand quietly1 thus assuring her of his trustworthiness and gaining her affection4 ,before being trusted on a horse1 a beginner should have the theory of its management explained to her2 and here is another drawback to infantile equestrianism1 as a young mind cannot readily grasp the knowledge4 ,nevertheless1 she must be made to understand the necessity of riding from balance1 instead of pulling herself up by the horse's mouth1 and be shown the action of the curb chain on the chin1 that she may realize why the snaffle should be used for ordinary purposes1 so that in case of an emergency she may have the curb to fall back upon4 ,she must know that if she pulls against him1 the horse will pull against her1 and therefore she must not keep a dead bearing on his mouth4 ,unyielding hands are the almost invariable result of riding before realizing the delicate manipulation a horse's mouth requires4 ,a light feeling on the curb and a light touch of the whip will show her how to keep the horse collected1 instead of allowing him to go in a slovenly manner4 ,she must not try to make the horse trot by attempting to rise4 ,until the animal is trotting squarely she should sit close to the saddle1 instead of bobbing up and down1 as he jogs or goes unevenly at first4 ,when wishing to canter1 in place of tugging at the reins1 clucking1 and digging the animal in the ribs with her heel1 the child should be told to elevate her hands a trifle1 and touch him on the shoulder with the whip4 ,no habit is more easily formed than that of clucking to a horse1 and it is a difficult one to cure4 ,it is provocative of great annoyance to any one who is near1 and who may be riding a high-spirited animal1 as it makes him nervous and anxious to go1 for he cannot tell whether the signal is meant for him or not1 and springs forward in response1 when his owner has perhaps just succeeded in quieting him4 ,thus can one make one's self an annoyance to others near by1 in a manner which might so easily have been avoided in the beginning4 ,after being familiarized with such rudimentary ideas of horsemanship1 comes the time for putting them into practice4 ,sidenote3 ,instructors ,it is a pity that there are not more competent instructors in the riding-schools1 for it is of great importance to begin correctly2 to find a teacher1 however1 who possesses thorough knowledge of the subject is1 unfortunately1 rare4 ,their inefficiency is amply demonstrated by the specimens of riding witnessed every day in the ,park2 and either their methods1 if they pretend to have any1 must be all wrong1 or they are but careless and superficial mentors1 as the results are so often far from satisfactory4 ,there are1 to be sure1 plenty of teachers who ride well themselves1 but that is a very different matter from imparting the benefit of their knowledge and experience to others4 ,with the best intentions in the world1 they may fail to make their pupils show much skill in the saddle4 ,skill1 and the power of creating it in the pupil1 is an unusual combination4 ,sidenote3 ,balance ,if a young girl is to ride1 she should be put in the saddle and not permitted to touch the reins4 ,her hands may rest in her lap1 and the horse should be led at a walk1 while the teacher shows her the position she must try to keep1 and tells her what she must do when the pace is increased4 ,as she becomes used to the situation1 and understands the instructions1 the horse may be urged into a slow trot1 she being made to sit close1 without1 at first1 any attempt at rising4 ,then a quiet canter may be given her1 but on no account should the child be allowed to clutch at anything to assist in preserving her balance4 ,it is that she shall not rely on the horse's mouth for balance that ,i have advocated keeping the reins from her1 and it is a plan which men and women would do well to adopt4 ,dependence on the reins is one of the commonest faults in riding1 and every one should practise trotting 7and even jumping1 if the horse be tractable7 with folded arms1 while the reins are left hanging on the animal's neck1 knotted so they will not fall too low4 ,if the importance of riding from balance above the waist were more generally recognized1 the seat would of necessity be firmer1 the hands lighter1 and horses less fretful4 ,sidenote3 ,hands ,too much emphasis cannot be put on the importance of good hands4 ,good hands are hands made so by riding independently of the reins4 ,intuitive knowledge of the horse's intentions1 sympathy and communication with him1 which are conveyed through the reins in a manner too subtle for explanation1 must accompany light hands to make them perfect4 ,such qualities are absolutely impossible with heavy hands1 which are incapable of the necessary delicate manipulation of the horse's mouth4 ,light hands1 therefore1 should be cultivated first1 and experience may bring the rest4 ,a child1 beginning as ,i have advised1 will early have this instilled into her mind1 and not be obliged to overcome heavy hands when from experience she has learned their disadvantages4 ,after sitting close to the trot and the canter1 the beginner must be told to rise to the trot4 ,at first she will find it difficult to make her effort correspond to the action of the horse's fore-legs1 but1 having once caught the motion1 she will soon have no trouble in rising regularly4 ,when she rises correctly and without much effort1 the reins may be given her4 ,a snaffle will be the best to use until she is sure of not letting them slip through her fingers1 or of not interfering with the horse's mouth4 ,she should hold the reins in both hands1 as this lessens the probability of sitting askew1 although as she becomes more certain of her seat she may transfer them to the left hand1 and carry a whip or crop in the right4 ,if a double bridle has been substituted for the snaffle1 the instructor must show the child that the left snaffle rein goes outside of her little finger1 the left curb between the little and third fingers1 the right curb between the second and third fingers1 and the right snaffle between the first and second4 ,illustration3 ,,correct ,,position ,now1 as the child begins to have confidence in herself1 is the time to guard against the formation of bad habits1 which would later1 if uncorrected1 be difficult to eradicate4 ,if parents will take the trouble to make an impartial criticism of their daughter's riding1 they can aid her by insisting upon her doing as she ought1 which is beyond the authority of the riding-master4 ,sidenote3 ,position ,they should see that her body is held erect1 her shoulders squarely to the front and thrown back1 head up1 chin held back1 arms hanging straight to the elbows1 hands low and close together1 her right knee immovable1 as from there she must rise4 ,her left leg must be held quiet1 and the heel away from the horse1 the ball of the foot resting on the stirrup2 but she must be kept from placing too much reliance on that support1 by practising without it every time she rides1 taking care that1 in relinquishing that aid1 she does not instead take hold of the horse's mouth4 ,illustration3 ,,incorrect ,,position ,sidenote3 ,management ,as the most trustworthy mount will at times be frisky or make a mistake1 a child should be prepared for such a contingency1 and know how to meet it4 ,if a horse stumbles1 she must sit well back and pull his head up4 ,in rearing1 the reins must be left loose and the body thrown forward4 ,a tendency to back must be met with a sharp crack of the whip4 ,in shying1 she must try to sit close1 and in case of a runaway she should understand that no good will come of throwing herself off4 ,to stick close and try to direct him is all she can do1 for she cannot hope to stop him when once started4 ,if a horse falls with her1 it is best to try and hold on to the reins1 as then he cannot reach her with his heels2 but if she cannot succeed in doing this1 she must endeavor to get clear of him and as far away as possible1 to avoid being rolled on or trampled upon as he makes his effort to get up4 ,when ,i consider the trials and dangers she must pass through1 a girl who is allowed to ride before she is sixteen has my sympathy1 while ,i look with indignation on the mothers who thus thoughtlessly expose children to all the evils attendant upon a too early attempt at riding4 ,,iii ,,beginning ,,to ,,ride ,that riding is increasing in popularity is clearly attested by the crowded bridle-path of ,central ,park4 ,it is greatly to be hoped1 however1 that with its growth in public favor a more than superficial knowledge of horsemanship will be sought for by those who desire to experience all the pleasure which may be derived from this sport4 ,women especially1 laboring as they do under the disadvantages of a side-saddle and imperfectly developed muscles1 should try to follow the most efficacious means of managing their horses1 a result best attained by riding in good form4 ,sidenote3 ,form ,even those who consider themselves first-class horsewomen1 and who are undoubtedly competent to manage an unruly animal1 often have defects in form which destroy the grace and ease of their appearance1 and prevent them1 in case of an emergency1 from employing the full amount of power of which they are capable4 ,besides this1 there are so many benefits to be derived from the exercise--if one will take it in a common-sense manner--that every endeavor should be made to extract from it the full amount of good4 ,this cannot be done with any undue strain on the muscles arising from either a poor saddle1 a back bent almost double1 the arms nearly pulled out by improper handling of the horse's mouth1 or with that abomination--a tight waist4 ,sense in dressing and attention to form are the two indispensable attributes by which women can make riding a means to improved health4 ,under such conditions all the organs are stimulated1 and good digestion1 an increased appetite1 quieted nerves1 better spirits1 and sound sleep follow4 ,with such advantages in sight1 it is strange that more of an effort is not made to bring about these results by overcoming bad habits4 ,sidenote3 ,insufficient ,training ,in most instances the faults come either from improper instruction1 or vanity which will not permit or heed criticism4 ,if her horse has been docile1 and refrained from any attempt to throw her1 a woman is sometimes so impressed with her skill that after a few lessons she no longer regards the advice of her instructor1 and thinks she is beyond the necessity of heeding his admonitions4 ,having acquired so little knowledge1 she will soon have numerous objectionable peculiarities in form1 resulting from her imperfect conception of horsemanship4 ,occasionally1 too1 a woman considers herself a born rider1 with a natural seat1 and the result of this belief is a combination of pitiful mistakes1 when1 had her taste for the sport been properly trained and cultivated1 instead of being allowed to run wild1 she would probably have become a rider4 ,there might yet remain hope of her acquiring a seat could she be convinced that there really is some knowledge on the subject that she has not yet mastered4 ,in reference to those who have been taught by incompetent masters1 a great deal is to be said1 both to enable them to adopt the right way1 and to prevent those who are desirous of learning from falling into their mistakes4 ,sidenote3 ,mounting ,unfortunately it is almost impossible for a woman to mount without assistance1 unless she be very tall and her horse small4 ,in this case she can reach the stirrup with her foot1 and pull herself up by the saddle4 ,sometimes the stirrup can be let down and used to mount with1 then drawn up when seated in the saddle4 ,but this can only be done when the stirrup leather buckles over the off flap1 which is not usual4 ,another method is to lead the horse to a fence or wall1 climb that1 and jump on to his back2 but all these methods require a very quiet horse1 and even then are not always practicable4 ,it is advisable to learn to mount from the ground as well as from a block4 ,this is done by placing the right hand containing whip and reins on the upper pommel1 the left foot1 with the knee bent1 in the clasped hands of the attendant1 the left hand on his shoulder1 and1 at a signal1 springing from the right foot and straightening the left leg4 ,nine out of ten women1 after mounting1 first carefully adjust the habit1 and have the stirrup or girths tightened before putting the knee over the pommel1 while some even button their gloves before2 and1 as a secondary consideration1 when everything else has been seen to1 they take up the reins1 which have been loose on the horse's neck4 ,he might easily wrench himself from the groom at his head1 and without her hold on the pommel she would fall heavily to the ground2 or if she were seated1 but without reins1 the horse might bolt into a tree1 a wall1 or another horse4 ,she would probably grasp the first rein at hand1 perhaps the curb1 and then the horse might rear dangerously1 and if she did not relax her hold on his mouth at once would be likely to fall backwards with her--the worst thing that can happen to a woman on a horse4 ,all this may be avoided by taking the reins before mounting1 and upon touching the saddle1 instantly putting the right knee over the pommel4 ,the reins should then be transferred to the left hand1 with the snaffle on the outside1 and the curb inside1 but loose4 ,it will then be the proper time to arrange the skirt and the stirrup4 ,sidenote3 ,dismounting ,to dismount she must transfer the reins to her right hand1 take her left foot from the stirrup1 and lift her right knee over the upper pommel1 making sure that her skirt is not caught on any part of the saddle4 ,she must then take a firm hold of the pommel with the hand containing the reins and the whip1 the latter held so that it will not touch the horse4 ,if there is some one to assist her she may reach out her left arm1 and by this she can be steadied as she dismounts4 ,in jumping down she should keep hold of the pommel and turn slightly1 so that as she lands she is facing the horse1 ready to notice and guard against signs of kicking or bolting4 ,until she is fairly on the ground she must not let go of the reins or the pommel1 for should the horse start she might be dragged with her head down1 if her skirt or her foot caught1 and without the reins she could not stop him4 ,sidenote3 ,stirrup ,it is well to discard the stirrup for some time during each ride1 first at the canter1 then at the trot1 to make sure that too much weight is not rested on this support1 and that the rise is from the right knee4 ,if too much dependence is placed on the stirrup the seat is sure to be too far to the left1 unless the leather is too short1 when the body will be as much too far to the right1 instead of directly on top of the horse4 ,if these directions are observed1 a very firm seat will be the result1 which gives a confidence that enables one to be thoroughly flexible above the waist without fear of going off1 and dispels a dread that often accounts for a stiff or crouching position4 ,a test as to whether one is sitting sufficiently close in the canter is to put a handkerchief on the saddle1 and note if the seat is firm enough to keep it there4 ,,iv ,,in ,,the ,,saddle ,illustration3 ,,incorrect ,,left ,,leg ,,and ,,heel ,sidenote3 ,below the ,waist ,the first impulse of a novice is to grasp the horse with her left heel1 while the leg is bent back from the knee so that it almost reaches his flank4 ,instead of this1 the leg from the knee1 which should not be more than half an inch below the pommel1 must hang naturally in a perpendicular line1 and the foot parallel with the horse1 the heel being held away from his side and slightly depressed1 the ball of the foot resting on the stirrup4 ,this alters the grip entirely1 and gives the greatest possible purchase1 with the knee firmly in the angle between the pommel and the saddle flap1 the thigh close to the saddle above1 and the inside of the calf below1 where one should be able to hold a piece of paper without having it fall out while trotting4 ,the left foot will1 of necessity1 remain quiet--a most desirable point often neglected4 ,illustration3 ,,correct ,,left ,,leg ,,and ,,heel ,now for the right leg4 ,the first direction usually given is to grasp the pommel with it4 ,that is all very well1 but it leads to a grievous error4 ,in the endeavor to obey the order1 the right knee is pressed hard to the left--against the pommel1 it is true1 but in such a manner that there is considerable space between the leg and the saddle1 extending from the knee half-way up the thigh4 ,thus the rider rises1 owing to her grip being too high1 so that a person on the right can often see the pommel beneath her4 ,illustration3 ,,incorrect ,,right ,,thigh ,,and ,,knee ,the first thing to do is to sit well back on the saddle1 with the shoulders square to the front1 and press down from the hip to the knee until as close to the saddle as possible4 ,then1 when sure that the knee is down1 taking care that it does not leave the saddle in the slightest degree1 grasp the pommel4 ,it is from this knee that one must rise1 and the most essential point is to have it absolutely firm1 with a secure hold on as extended a surface as possible4 ,from the knee the leg hangs straight1 kept close to the horse1 with the toe depressed just enough to avoid breaking the line of the skirt4 ,it is seldom realized that the right leg below the knee should be held as firmly against the horse as the left1 but such is the case4 ,illustration3 ,,correct ,,right ,,thigh ,,and ,,knee ,sidenote3 ,above the ,waist ,the body should be held erect at all times1 the back straight while rising1 instead of appearing to collapse with each movement1 or rising from right to left with a churning motion instead of straight up and down2 shoulders should be level--the right one is inclined to be higher than the left1 as well as farther forward--well back and equidistant from the horse's ears1 chest expanded1 and chin held near the neck1 as nothing is more unsightly than a protruding chin4 ,the arms should fall naturally at the sides1 bending inward from the elbow1 but on no account to such an extent as to cause the elbows to leave the sides or form acute angles4 ,all stiffness should be avoided4 ,some difficulty may be experienced at first1 though1 in attempting to relax the muscles above the waist while keeping the lower ones firm4 ,a little practice will accomplish this1 and1 as a stiff carriage is most frequently the result of self-consciousness1 it will be desirable to practise where there are no spectators4 ,as the woman becomes more accustomed to riding she will lose some of her rigidity2 but she must not go to the other extreme and be limp or careless in her way of holding herself4 ,a woman's body should be at right angles to her horse's back1 neither inclining backwards nor giving evidence of a tendency to stoop4 ,her anxiety to comply with these directions may render her conscious and awkward for a while2 but if she will persevere1 bearing them all in mind1 they will become as second nature1 and she will follow them naturally and gracefully4 ,sidenote3 ,hands and ,wrists ,the hands should be held about two thirds of the way back between the right knee and hip1 and as low as possible4 ,they should be perfectly steady1 and in rising never communicate the motion of the body to the horse's mouth4 ,if the right knee is used to rise from1 the seat will not need to be steadied by the reins4 ,in the canter1 however1 the hands1 as well as the body above the waist1 should sway slightly with the horse's stride1 but not more than is necessary2 for that1 and rising too high in the trot1 give an appearance of exertion not compatible with grace4 ,illustration3 ,,correct ,,knuckles1 ,,side ,,view ,illustration3 ,,incorrect ,,position ,,of ,,hands ,the wrists should be bent so that the knuckles point straight ahead with the thumbs up1 thus giving the horse's mouth play from the wrist1 instead of1 as is often the case1 from the shoulder1 the former admitting of much greater delicacy of handling1 and the give-and-take movement being not so easily observed4 ,most teachers instruct a pupil to keep her finger-nails down1 but this also necessitates all movement coming from the shoulder1 or else sticking out the elbows4 ,illustration3 ,,hands ,,in ,,good ,,form1 ,,front ,,view ,sidenote3 ,reins ,many hold their reins in the left hand1 allowing the right to hang at the side4 ,this does not look well1 and in case of an emergency1 such as stumbling1 the hand being so far from the reins precludes the possibility of rendering the quick assistance required4 ,the reins should be held in the left hand1 but the right should be on them1 lightly feeling the horse's mouth1 thereby anticipating his movements4 ,the left snaffle-rein should go outside of the little finger1 the left curb between the little and third fingers1 the right curb between the third and middle fingers1 and the right snaffle between the middle and first fingers4 ,they must all be brought through the hand1 over the second joint of the first finger1 where they must lie flat and in order1 held there by the thumb4 ,the third finger of the right hand should rest on the right snaffle1 leaving the first and second free to use the curb if required1 thus giving equal bearing on all four reins4 ,illustration3 ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside1 ,,front ,,view ,if the use of the curb alone is wanted1 the third finger of the right should release the right snaffle1 the first and second retaining their hold on the curb1 and the desired result will be produced4 ,illustration3 ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside1 ,,side ,,view ,if only the snaffle is desired1 it may be brought to bear more strongly by keeping hold of the right rein with the third finger of the right hand1 and reaching over on the left snaffle with the first finger4 ,when this method is pursued there is no necessity for shifting the reins or hauling at them1 and constantly changing their position and length4 ,when a rein has slipped through the fingers of the left hand1 instead of pushing it back from in front it should be pulled to the proper length from back of the left hand4 ,illustration3 ,,reins ,,in ,,two ,,hands1 ,,snaffle ,,outside1 ,,curb ,,inside ,it is quite correct1 though inconvenient1 to hold the reins in both hands2 but the hands should be held close together1 with the thumbs up1 and always on the reins to prevent slipping4 ,the little fingers then separate the reins1 the left snaffle being outside of the left little finger1 the left curb between the little and third fingers1 with the reins drawn over the first finger2 the right snaffle outside of the right little finger1 the right curb between the little and third fingers1 and these also drawn over the first finger1 in both instances held by the thumbs4 ,in this way the right reins may quickly be placed in the left hand by inserting the middle finger of the left hand between them without displacing the others4 ,sometimes the ends of the left reins are passed over the first finger of the right hand as well as of the left one1 and carried on past the little finger1 the same being done to the right reins1 thus giving additional purchase should the horse pull4 ,illustration3 ,,position ,,of ,,reins ,,and ,,hands ,,in ,,jumping1 ,,curb ,,outside1 ,,snaffle ,,inside ,it is well to know several ways of holding the reins1 and to practise them all4 ,for instance1 the positions of the snaffle and curb may be reversed2 indeed1 many expert riders always hold their reins with the curb outside and the snaffle inside1 especially in jumping1 where the curb is not used1 and therefore requires a less prominent place in the hand4 ,illustration3 ,,reins ,,in ,,two ,,hands1 ,,curb ,,outside1 ,,snaffle ,,inside1 ,,side ,,view ,another position of the reins is to have the middle finger of the left hand separate the snaffle and the little finger the curb1 both right reins being above the left ones4 ,however1 unless a horse is bridle-wise this plan is not a convenient one1 because the right and left reins alternate4 ,a horse so trained may be guided by a turn of the wrist4 ,to turn him to the left the hand should be moved in that direction1 pressing the right reins against his neck1 and to go to the right the hand should be carried to that side1 the thumb turned downward1 thus pressing the left reins against the horse's neck4 ,v ,,emergencies ,although she may ride in good form1 and1 when her horse goes quietly1 feel at home in the saddle1 no woman can be considered proficient until she is prepared for any emergency1 and knows how to meet it4 ,sidenote3 ,eagerness to ,start ,many horses show restlessness while being mounted1 some carrying it to such an extent as to back and rear or swerve most unpleasantly4 ,the groom at his head should hold him lightly but firmly by the snaffle1 or1 better still1 the cheeks of the bridle2 not lugging or jerking at him1 but endeavoring to soothe him4 ,if the horse swerves from her1 he should be made to stand against a wall4 ,the woman must get settled in the saddle as expeditiously as she can1 not taking any unnecessary time in the arrangement of her skirt1 which might augment the animal's uneasiness4 ,once mounted she must walk the horse quietly for a few minutes1 using the snaffle only1 as his restlessness may have come from expecting the spur on starting1 as is customary with the horses of those who care for display rather than good manners4 ,before long she should dismount1 and1 at a different place1 repeat the lesson without fighting him1 even should he fail to show much progress at first4 ,if he rears1 the attendant should let go of his head until he comes down2 then1 before starting1 try to make him stand a few moments4 ,each time the rider mounts she should increase the period of his standing1 doing it firmly while talking to him1 but without force or harshness1 and presently he will obey as a matter of course and without an idea of resistance4 ,sidenote3 ,shyers ,the most common fault of a horse is shying1 and though no one who has a secure seat should be inconvenienced thereby1 its treatment needs some discrimination4 ,shying often arises from defective vision4 ,if1 however1 the animal's eyes are in good condition1 it may come from timidity1 but in either case the horse should be soothed and coaxed up to the object of his aversion and shown its harmlessness4 ,if it is merely a trick1 then playing with his mouth and speaking in a warning tone when approaching anything likely to attract his notice will usually make him go straight4 ,as a rule the whip should not be used1 because the horse may learn to associate a blow with the object he has shied at1 and the next time he sees it is likely to bolt in order to avoid the impending chastisement--thus going from bad to worse4 ,sidenote3 ,stumblers ,for the same reason1 ,i object to a horse being punished for stumbling4 ,disagreeable as it is1 the fault usually comes from defective muscular action or conformation1 or from not being kept collected by his rider4 ,it is not fair to punish the horse for these causes4 ,the thing to do is to sit well back and give the reins a sharp pull to bring his head up1 and then keep him going up to the bit1 for if the rider is careless the horse will follow her example4 ,illustration3 ,,hands ,,and ,,seat ,,in ,,rearing ,sidenote3 ,rearers ,a rearing horse is not fit for a woman to ride4 ,if she finds herself on one which attempts it1 she must throw her weight forward and a little to the right1 because she can lean farther forward on this than on the left side1 to help the horse preserve his balance1 as well as to prevent being struck by his head4 ,if necessary she can clutch his mane1 but on no account must she touch his mouth in the slightest degree4 ,as he comes down1 a vigorous kick with the heel1 a shake of the snaffle1 and a harsh exclamation may send him along4 ,i cannot advocate a woman's striking him1 for if he has a temper1 it may arouse it to such an extent that he will throw himself back4 ,sidenote3 ,plungers ,those with a strong seat have no reason to fear a horse that plunges1 if it does not develop into rearing or bucking4 ,they should sit close and urge the horse to a faster pace1 as it stands to reason that if he is kept going briskly he cannot so easily begin his antics as he could at a slower gait4 ,sidenote3 ,buckers ,a woman is seldom if ever required to ride a horse which bucks1 and if he is known to do it viciously she had better not try any experiments with him1 as he will surely exhaust her in a fight4 ,by bucking ,i do not mean the mild form of that vice which is usually found under that name in the ,east4 ,here an animal that plunges persistently and comes down hard is said to buck2 while if his head is lowered1 that settles the question in the minds of those ignorant of what a real bucking horse is capable4 ,in encountering the ,eastern variety of this species1 the woman must elevate the horse's head1 sit well back1 and firmly too1 for even the mild form of bucking is not easy to sustain undisturbed4 ,the genuine article1 the real ,western bucker1 is quite another matter4 ,newspapers have published instances of women who have managed to stay on one through all his various and blood-stirring antics2 but such cases are in fact unknown outside of ,buffalo ,bill's ,wild ,west ,show1 and there the animals have been taught to perform to order4 ,when the bronco bucks1 he gives no preliminary warning by harmless plunging2 he simply throws his head down between his knees1 humps his back like a cat1 and proceeds to business4 ,he jumps into the air1 coming down to one side of where he started1 with all four feet bunched and legs stiffened1 only to bound into space again4 ,an occasional squeal adds to the general hilarity of the scene1 and the alacrity with which that meek-looking mustang can land and go into the air again would astonish one not accustomed to the sight4 ,sidenote3 ,pullers ,in riding a puller1 his head must be kept in a correct position1 neither low nor high1 by lightly feeling his mouth until he gives to the motion4 ,should he have his head up and nose out1 elevating the hands and drawing the snaffle across the bars sometimes causes the bit to bear in such a manner that the horse will drop his nose1 and at that moment an effort must be made to keep it there4 ,this method is exceptional1 however1 and should be resorted to only when other means fail1 and the horse's head is so high1 with the nose protruding1 that the bit affords no control4 ,ordinarily1 the hands should be low1 one on each side of the withers1 and quietly feeling the snaffle until he obeys its signal4 ,if he pulls with his head down1 almost between his knees1 the curb must not be touched1 but the snaffle should be felt and the hands held higher than usual and a little farther forward1 playing with his mouth4 ,this may make him raise his head2 but if not1 then several determined pulls1 yielding the hand between them1 given without temper and with a few soothing words1 may stop him4 ,if he has the bit between his teeth1 quick give-and-take movements will probably surprise him into releasing it4 ,it is useless for a woman to try to subdue him by force4 ,it is well to have a horse's teeth examined for pulling1 as one which has become displaced or sensitive causes excessive pain1 and often results in this habit4 ,when a horse shows a tendency to kick1 by putting his ears back or a peculiar wriggle of the body1 his head must instantly be pulled up and kept there1 for in that position he will not attempt it4 ,sidenote3 ,runaways ,a runaway nearly always frightens a woman so that she loses her head4 ,composure will best enable her to escape without accident4 ,as the horse starts she must keep her heel well away from his side and her hands down1 and instantly begin sawing his mouth with the reins2 then a succession of sharp jerks and pulls should be resorted to--never a dead pull--and possibly he may be brought down4 ,once well in his stride1 no woman can stop a horse4 ,she must then be governed by circumstances1 and1 if in a crowd or park1 try to keep him clear of all objects1 and not exhaust herself and excite the horse by screaming4 ,some one will try to catch him2 and as a terrific jerk will be the result1 she must brace herself for it4 ,if the horse runs where there is open country1 and she is sure his running is prompted by vice1 not fright1 she should urge him on when he tires and keep him going up-hill or over heavy ground if possible1 using the whip freely1 and not permit him to stop until he is completely done4 ,there are some good riders who advise pulling a horse into a fence to stop him1 but there is always a chance of his attempting to jump it1 while1 as the rider tries to prevent this1 the horse may be thrown out of his balance or stride and fall over the fence4 ,if he is driven at a high wall or other insurmountable obstruction the horse will stop so suddenly that the rider is likely to be precipitated over the animal's head1 even if she have a good seat4 ,again1 the horse may miscalculate the distance and run into the object1 perhaps seriously hurting himself and his rider4 ,if this method is to be employed1 a grassy or sandy embankment should be chosen1 if possible1 as there will then be fewer chances of injury4 ,others believe in throwing the horse1 which may be done by letting him have his head for a few strides1 then suddenly giving a violent tug at the reins4 ,if he can thus be made to cross his legs1 he will go down4 ,another way is for a woman to put all her strength into pulling one rein1 and if she can use enough force he may be twisted so that he will lose his balance and fall4 ,then the danger is that a woman will not get clear of him before he regains his footing and starts off1 in which case she might better have remained on his back than risk being dragged at his heels4 ,if some one else's horse is running instead of the one she is on1 and it is coming towards her1 a woman should instantly1 but quietly1 wheel her horse1 and keep him as much to one side of the road as possible2 and if she is sure of her control over him1 a brisk canter will be the safest gait4 ,thus1 if the runaway strikes her horse1 it will not be with the same force as it would had they met from opposite directions4 ,besides1 it is almost impossible to tell which way a frightened horse may turn1 and in endeavoring to avoid him1 if they are facing1 a collision may result4 ,if a horse falls1 from crossing his legs for instance1 to keep hold of the reins must be the first thought1 and then to get clear of him as quickly as possible and out of his way if he seems likely to roll4 ,if the rider retains her hold on the reins1 he cannot kick her1 as his head will be towards her2 nor can he get away1 leaving her to walk home4 ,sidenote3 ,punishment ,punishment of a horse should never be begun without the certainty that what has given displeasure is really his fault1 wilfully committed4 ,even then a battle should always be avoided1 if possible1 for it is better to spend a half-hour1 or even much more1 gently but firmly urging a horse to obedience than to fight him4 ,it sometimes drives him to such a state of excitement and temper that the effects of it will be perceptible for days1 sometimes weeks1 in a nervous1 highly strung animal1 and he will1 perhaps1 prepare for a combat whenever the same circumstances again arise4 ,that which comes from misconception on the part of the horse is often treated as though it were vice1 and such unjust chastisement1 without accomplishing its object1 bewilders and frightens the unfortunate victim4 ,therefore one should know positively that it is obstinacy or vice1 not dulness or timidity1 which has made the horse apparently resist his rider's authority4 ,a horse with much temper may only be made worse by the punishment he undoubtedly deserves2 therefore1 forbearance and ingenuity should be exercised to bring him into submission4 ,discipline must be administered at the time of insubordination1 or it loses its meaning to the horse4 ,it is folly to postpone punishing him1 for then he fails to connect it with the act of resistance which has provoked it4 ,another great mistake1 and one to be strongly censured1 is that of venting one's impatience or temper on the poor brute1 which may be doing its best to understand the clumsy and imperfect commands of a cruel taskmaster4 ,having calmly decided that the horse requires punishment1 it should be given in a firm and temperate manner1 no more severity being employed than is necessary4 ,however1 the whip should fall with force and decision1 or it is worse than useless2 and if a moderate amount of whipping or spurring does not result in victory1 it must be increased1 as1 once begun1 the fight must end in the conquest of the animal1 or the woman on his back will thenceforth be unable to control him4 ,it must be done dispassionately and continuously1 and no time allowed him to become more obstinate by a cessation of hostilities when he might be about to give in4 ,at the first sign of yielding1 he should be encouraged1 and the punishment cease1 until he has had an opportunity to do what is desired of him4 ,while using the whip1 the right hand should never be on the reins1 as that necessitates jerking the horse's mouth and hitting from the wrist1 a weak and ineffectual method4 ,the blow should fall well back of the saddle and with the force given by the full swing of the arm4 ,a woman usually expends her energy in hitting the saddle-flap1 making some noise1 to be sure1 but not producing the desired effect4 ,if these suggestions are followed1 there will be comparatively little trouble in learning to properly handle a horse that he may be kept up to the mark4 ,until having laid a solid foundation for one's self1 it is useless to hope to obtain the best results from the horse1 which will surely appreciate and take advantage of any incompetency on the part of the rider4 ,even if not aspiring to more than ordinary park riding1 attention to these hints will add so materially to the comfort and safety of both horse and woman that it will be a subject of wonder to the latter how she could have found the wrong way pleasant enough to admit of any hesitation in giving the correct one at least a fair trial4 ,,vi ,,choosing ,a ,,mount ,much of a woman's comfort will depend on the horse she chooses4 ,she is too often inclined to procure a showy one1 which pleases the eye1 even though she cannot control his antics1 rather than a trustworthy and less conspicuous mount4 ,sidenote3 ,an ,adviser ,in choosing a horse1 she should not rely exclusively on her own judgment4 ,few women are aware of the artifices resorted to by dishonest dealers to render presentable some animal which in its natural condition she would at once reject2 therefore she should enlist the services of some man in whose knowledge of horse-flesh she has reason to place confidence1 and of whose disinterestedness she is certain4 ,when a horse is found which appears to fulfil her requirements1 she should insist upon a trial of him herself2 for1 although he may go well and comfortably with her friend1 a woman might not possess the qualities which had assured success in the former trial by the man4 ,the horse would recognize the difference1 take advantage of her inexperience or lack of skill1 and act as he would not think of doing under an expert4 ,furthermore1 gaits which would suit a man are often too hard for a woman1 and a horse which he might think merely went well up to the bit would to her weaker arms seem a puller4 ,after being approved of by her friend1 the woman should try the animal herself1 outside1 alone and in company4 ,if he proves satisfactory1 she should endeavor to have him in her stable for a few days1 and during that time to have him examined by a veterinary surgeon1 obtaining his certificate of the horse's soundness4 ,an animal absolutely sound and without blemish is a rare sight2 but there are many defects which do not lessen the horse's practical value1 although their presence lower his price1 and may enable her to secure something desirable which would otherwise have been beyond her means4 ,such a horse should be accepted only after a thorough examination by the veterinary1 and upon his advice4 ,it is well to avoid purchasing a horse from a friend1 unless one is perfectly familiar with the animal1 as such transactions frequently lead to strained relations1 each thinking bitterly of the other4 ,some1 having pronounced their horse sound1 would take offence should a veterinary be called2 while if he were not consulted the horse might go wrong1 and the purchaser would perhaps think the former owner had disposed of him with that expectation1 or at least knowing the probability of it1 yet their social relations would prevent accusation or explanation4 ,furthermore1 a difference of opinion as to the price is awkward1 and altogether it requires more tact1 discretion1 and liberality than most people possess to make a satisfactory horse-trade with a friend4 ,having decided as to whose advice she will take1 a woman should not be influenced by the comments and criticisms of others4 ,if she waits until all her friends approve of her choice she will never buy a horse4 ,however1 by listening to what the best informed of them say1 she may gain much instruction and knowledge4 ,as a woman may wish to know what points are desirable in a horse1 and what to look for1 a general idea of this may be welcome4 ,it is only by comparison that she will learn to distinguish whether certain parts are long or short1 normal or excessive1 therefore she should critically notice horses at every opportunity1 and observe in what they differ from one another4 ,sidenote3 ,park ,hack ,if a woman could have a ,park hack made to order1 the following points would be the most prominent3 ,a horse should always be up to more weight than he will have to carry2 and as1 in the ,park1 appearances are of importance1 a woman should buy a horse on which she will look well4 ,much will depend upon her mount being of an appropriate size and build4 ,a woman of medium size will look her best on a horse of about #ae4b4 ,no exact height can be fixed upon1 as the present system of measurement is so incomplete4 ,sidenote3 ,measurement ,a horse standing #ae4b at the withers1 where it is always measured1 may be much higher there than anywhere else1 his quarters being disproportionately low4 ,on the other hand1 the withers might be low and the rump high1 giving the strength1 power1 and stride to a horse of #ae hands which might be expected in one of several inches higher4 ,in races and shows it enables low-withered horses to run and compete against those which1 although high at the withers1 have not the posterior conformation to justify their being in the same class4 ,the more common-sense and accurate method of measurement1 if it would only be generally adopted1 is to take the height at the withers and also at the rump1 average it1 and call that the size of the horse4 ,for instance1 a horse #ae4c at the withers and #ae4b at the rump should be registered as measuring #ae4b-a_/b4 ,the fashionably bred trotting horse often measures higher at the rump than at the withers1 while the properly proportioned saddle horse should measure as high1 or highest1 at the withers4 ,in a saddle horse there are other points than height to be considered4 ,if the woman is stout1 the horse should be of substantial build1 very compact1 and like a cob4 ,if she is slight1 she will look best on a horse of light build and possessed of quality4 ,in my opinion1 three quarters1 or a trifle more1 thoroughbred blood makes the pleasantest mount for a woman4 ,five to seven is a good age at which to buy a horse1 as he will then have been through the early ailments of young horses and be just entering his prime4 ,sidenote3 ,conformation ,as to his points1 his head should be small and clear-cut1 with delicately pointed ears1 prominent eyes1 a fine muzzle1 full nostrils1 clean-cut angle at the throttle1 and the head carried somewhat less than vertical to the ground2 the crest curved1 and the neck thin and supple1 but muscular and well set on to broad shoulders4 ,these should be long and oblique1 thus reducing the concussion and making the horse easier to ride as well as safer1 because his forelegs are proportionately advanced1 giving less weight in front of them to cause a fall should he trip4 ,the true arms 7commonly called lower bones of the shoulders71 extend from the points of the shoulders to the elbows1 and should be short1 or the forelegs will be placed too far back4 ,the forearms1 extending from the elbows to the knees1 should be large and muscular and rather long4 ,broad1 flat knees are indicative of strength1 and they should have considerably more width than the forearms or the shanks4 ,below the knees and to the fetlocks the legs should be rather short1 flat1 deep1 and fine1 no swelling to prevent one from feeling distinctly1 especially near the fetlocks1 the tendons and ligaments quite separate from the shanks or cannons and the splint-bones4 ,the fetlock-joints much developed give evidence of overwork1 therefore any undue prominence is not desirable4 ,long1 slanting pasterns give elasticity to a horse's gait and prevent disagreeable concussion2 but if the length is excessive1 there will be too much strain on the back tendons4 ,the fetlocks reach to the coronet1 below which are the feet1 which must be of good shape and absolutely sound4 ,the thorax must be either broad or deep and full1 so that the lungs and heart may have plenty of room to expand4 ,it should be well supplied with muscle where the forelegs are joined to it1 and these should be straight1 with the feet pointing straight ahead4 ,the toe should be under the point of the shoulder4 ,high withers are preferred to low ones1 but if they are too high they place a side-saddle at an uncomfortable angle1 which needs an objectionable amount of padding at the back to rectify the fault4 ,the back should not sink perceptibly1 but it may be somewhat longer in a woman's horse than in a man's1 as her saddle occupies so much more space2 but the ribs should be long in front and short back of the girth1 running well up to the hips4 ,this conformation will prevent the saddle from working forward2 a tendency to slip back may be checked by using a breast-plate4 ,a horse should be broad across the loins2 if these are strong1 and the horse well ribbed up1 there will be no unsightly sinking of the flanks even in front of hips that are broad1 as they should be4 ,the thighs extend from the lower part of the haunches or hips to the stifle-joints1 and these and the haunches are covered with powerful muscles1 which1 when well developed1 form strong quarters4 ,a well-placed tail1 carried at a correct angle1 adds greatly to a horse's appearance4 ,from the stifles to the hocks are found the lower thighs1 and these should be long and strong4 ,the hocks should be prominent1 clearly defined1 and free from all puffiness or swelling4 ,from the hocks to the fetlocks the leg should descend perpendicularly1 neither bent under him nor back of him4 ,the same rule applies to these fetlocks as to the fore ones2 and the same may be said of the feet1 but the latter are too important to dismiss without further comment4 ,the hoofs when on the ground should be at an angle of about forty-five degrees from the toe to the coronet4 ,any unevenness or protrusions on the wall of the hoofs1 or a sinking-in at the quarters1 should be viewed with suspicion4 ,breadth is desirable at the heels1 and the bars should not be cut away4 ,the frog should be nearly on a level with the shoes1 and the soles should be slightly concave4 ,sidenote3 ,hunter ,if a hunter is to be chosen1 looks are not of so much importance1 although ,i like him to be almost if not quite thoroughbred4 ,however1 if the animal can gallop and jump1 has good staying qualities and a strong constitution1 a kind disposition and a light mouth1 good manners and plenty of power1 he should not be discarded because he lacks beauty4 ,a large head1 ewe neck1 ragged hips1 rat-tail1 poor coat1 and other such ungainly points1 are not bad enough to condemn him if he has the other qualities ,i have mentioned2 and often a peculiarly shaped animal will out-jump a horse of the most correct conformation4 ,sidenote3 ,gait and ,manners ,after carefully looking over the horse1 a woman should have some one trot and canter him1 to see that his action is what she wants4 ,a ,park hack should have free1 easy gaits1 with good knee and hock action1 and travel evenly and without brushing1 cutting1 interfering1 dishing1 or showing any such irregularities of gait4 ,she should watch him from in front1 from behind1 and at the sides2 and1 after his trial by a man1 the woman should ride him1 and find out what his faults are under the saddle4 ,his manners should be perfect3 no sign of bolting1 or rearing1 or other vices2 nor should he be a star-gazer1 nor lug on the bit1 as a good mouth is very essential to her comfort4 ,however1 if he is green--that is1 unaccustomed to his surroundings and to being ridden--he should not be rejected without a fair trial1 to ascertain whether his cramped gait1 shying1 and other such failings are the result of inexperience under the saddle1 or are established traits4 ,the most desirable points are a light but not over-sensitive mouth1 even gait1 with swinging 7not jerky or shuffling7 action1 a kind disposition--with which quality considerable friskiness need not condemn him--good manners1 and freedom from tricks and vices4 ,he should be practically sound and of correct conformation--a more valuable attribute for safety and ease than high action4 ,,vii ,,dress ,simplicity is the rule for the habit4 ,it should be of ,thibet cloth--black1 dark brown1 or blue for winter1 tan or a medium shade of gray for summer4 ,all conspicuous colors and materials are to be avoided4 ,it is well to have the skirt made of a heavy-weight cloth1 which will help to make it set properly without the assistance of straps2 while the bodice may be of a medium weight of the same cloth1 that it may fit better and be less bulky4 ,for very warm weather in the country a habit made of heavy gingham or white duck is cool and comfortable1 and will wash4 ,the skirt and bodice may be of the same material1 or a silk or cheviot shirt and leather belt may be worn with the skirt4 ,a straw sailor-hat completes this convenient innovation1 but it should be reserved for use out of town4 ,sidenote3 ,skirt ,the skirt should reach only far enough to cover the left foot1 and be too narrow to admit of any flowing folds4 ,fashion and safety both demand this4 ,a skittish horse is often frightened by a loose skirt flapping at his side4 ,sidenote3 ,safety ,skirt ,i should be very glad to see the safety skirt1 which is worn in the hunting-field1 adopted in general riding4 ,its advantages are manifold4 ,although it appears the same1 less cloth is used1 therefore it is cooler2 there is nothing between the pommel and the breeches1 thus improving the hold1 and in case of accident it is impossible to be dragged4 ,there are several kinds in use1 but the less complicated the more desirable it is4 ,the simplest is made like any other skirt1 except that where the pommels come there is a large piece of the cloth cut out1 extending in a circle at the top1 and then straight down1 at both sides1 so that there is no cloth near the pommels or where it could catch in case of a fall4 ,this leaves enough to extend under both legs when in the saddle1 and looks like an ordinary one4 ,under the right knee1 where the skirt is rounded out1 a small strip of cloth buttons from this point on to the piece which is under the leg2 this and an elastic strap on the foot keep it in place2 but neither is strong enough to stand any strain1 therefore would not be dangerous in a fall4 ,another pattern has eyelet holes made on each side from where the cloth has been taken1 and round silk elastic laced through them1 thus preventing the possibility of disarrangement4 ,both of these skirts loop at the back1 and can be kept from appearing unlike others if the wearer will immediately fasten them on dismounting4 ,an ordinary skirt may be made safer by having no hem4 ,sidenote3 ,divided ,skirt ,we hear a great deal now of the divided skirt1 and the advisability of women riding astride4 ,the theory is good1 as having a leg each side of the animal gives much greater control over his movements4 ,for most women1 however1 it is impracticable1 since they cannot sit down in the saddle and grip with their knees as they should1 owing to the fact that their thighs are rounded1 instead of flat like a man's4 ,it might be possible for a lean and muscular woman to acquire a secure seat1 but not for the average one4 ,being short is another drawback to a strong seat against which most of them would have to contend4 ,this is particularly trying1 as so much of her weight is above the waist1 making it difficult to ride from balance1 which might otherwise replace the deficient leverage of the short thigh4 ,again1 if on a large or broad horse1 the constant strain on the muscles necessary when astride him must be injurious4 ,aside from any physical reasons1 the position for a woman is1 in my opinion1 most ungraceful and undignified1 while few of them possess the strength to profit by the changed seat in forcing the horse up to his bridle or keeping him collected2 and ,i cannot blame those who think it open to the charge of impropriety4 ,sidenote3 ,bodice ,the bodice should be single-breasted1 long over the hips1 reaching almost to the saddle in the back1 and cut away in front to show a waistcoat1 the upper edge of which makes a finish between the collar and lapels of the waist and the white collar and ,ascot or four-in-hand4 ,the waistcoat gives more of an opportunity for the exercise of individual taste4 ,the most desirable1 ,i think1 has a white background1 on which is a black1 brown1 blue1 or red check4 ,it may be all tan or a hunting pink1 plain1 figured1 or striped1 so long as too many colors are not combined2 but1 as a rule1 something quiet and simple will be the most desirable4 ,in summer a piqu waistcoat is worn1 or something similar1 that is light1 cool1 and will wash4 ,a black or white cravat always looks well1 or one which1 without being glaring1 harmonizes with the waistcoat4 ,sidenote3 ,waistcoat ,sense1 health1 and comfort all demand that the waist shall not be laced to the painful extent endured by many foolish and vain women4 ,they would let out an inch or two if they could realize that the blood is forced from their waists to their faces1 making them scarlet at any exertion1 while they have difficulty in conversing except in gasps1 and are compelled to walk their horses at frequent intervals to catch their breath4 ,sidenote3 ,corsets ,it is so invigorating to feel the lungs expanded by a long1 deep breath1 and the blood1 quickened by the motion of the horse1 coursing unrestrained through all the veins1 while the muscles of the back and abdomen are allowed full play1 that those who go along panting and aching lose half the beneficial effects of riding1 and more pleasure than they can possibly derive from trying to make people believe that they have small waists4 ,the corsets are of great importance and must be of good quality and not very stiff1 small bones being used instead of large ones or steels4 ,they must be short in front and over the hips1 that the movements may not be unnecessarily restricted1 or the skin become raw from rubbing against the ends of the bones4 ,a plain corset-cover should be worn over them1 as the lining of the habit-waist sometimes discolors the corsets if this precaution is not taken4 ,sidenote3 ,boots1 ,breeches1 ,tights ,considerable latitude is permitted a woman in the choice of what she shall wear under her skirt4 ,boots and breeches are considered better form than shoes and trousers2 but there is no reason why the latter should not be used1 especially if the shoes lace4 ,boots and tights1 however1 are the most comfortable of all4 ,breeches are made of stockinette1 re-enforced with chamois skin1 and reach half-way down the calf1 where they should button close to the leg--the buttons being on the left side of each leg1 that the right may not be bruised by the buttons pressing against the saddle4 ,chamois skin is sometimes used to make breeches1 but it is not very satisfactory4 ,at first they are soft and pliable1 but after being worn a few times they become stiff and unyielding1 and rain will render them hard as boards4 ,tan box-cloth gaiters1 extending from the instep almost to the knee1 are sometimes worn with breeches and shoes4 ,they are made exactly like those for men1 and take the place of boots4 ,boots may be of calf-skin or patent leather1 with wrinkled or stiff legs1 the tops reaching a few inches above the bottom of the breeches4 ,in warm weather tan boots are often worn2 but1 of whatever variety they may be1 they should always be large1 with broad1 thick soles and low1 square heels4 ,trousers are of the same material as the skirt1 and are also re-enforced4 ,elastic bands passing under the shoes keep the trousers down4 ,tights should be of the color of the habit1 and fit smoothly without being stretched4 ,they come in different weights1 and either silk1 cotton1 or wool may be worn4 ,they should have feet woven on them1 thus doing away with the necessity for all underclothing below the waist4 ,when breeches or trousers are worn1 tights may advantageously be substituted for the other usual garments worn under such conditions4 ,if tights are not worn1 whatever replaces them should fit snugly and be without starch or frills4 ,the stockings should be kept up from the waist1 as garters chafe the knee when it presses the pommel1 and often interfere with the circulation4 ,some women wear union garments1 which are practically tights extending from the neck to the feet1 taking the place of shirts4 ,however1 when a shirt is worn it will be most comfortable if of a light-weight wool4 ,this absorbs the perspiration1 and is therefore pleasanter to wear than silk1 and more likely to protect from a cold4 ,outside of this should be the corset4 ,when it is cold a chamois-skin waist with long sleeves should be worn under the bodice1 as this is much better than a fur cape1 which is often used1 and which confines the arms4 ,a covert coat is the most convenient1 but the former is more readily obtained4 ,a wool shirt1 short corsets1 plain corset-cover1 and tights are all the underclothing needed for riding4 ,some women wear a linen shirt1 with collar and cuffs attached1 like a man's1 except that it is narrowed at the waist4 ,with this the corset-cover is not needed4 ,sidenote3 ,collars and ,cuffs ,separate collars and cuffs are more generally used1 and the scarf should be pinned to the collar at the back1 as these have a way of parting company that is most untidy4 ,to make it more certain1 a clasp or pin such as men use to hold a four-in-hand tie in place should fasten the ends of the scarf to the shirt-front or corset-cover1 thus securing it against slipping4 ,the cuffs should not be pinned to the sleeve1 as the lining of the coat will be torn1 and the pin will catch on the habit and stretch and roughen it in places4 ,a small elastic band put over a button at the wrist of the sleeve1 and attached to the cuff-button1 will answer every purpose4 ,sidenote3 ,gloves ,gauntlets should be discarded1 and gloves worn large enough to admit of the muscles of the hand being used freely4 ,dogskin of a reddish shade of tan is the best material for gloves4 ,the stitching is such as to form slight ridges of the glove itself on the back of the hand1 the red stitches being scarcely perceptible at a little distance4 ,it is difficult to find women's gloves broad enough for comfort in riding1 and it is a good plan to buy boys' gloves1 which give the desired freedom4 ,they have only one button1 an advantage over women's1 which have two or three that are in the way under the cuff4 ,should the wrists need more protection from the cold1 wristlets may be worn1 as they take up but little room4 ,for cold weather1 gloves come in a softer kid1 like chevrette1 and have a fleecy lining1 very warm1 but too soft and light to make the gloves clumsy4 ,flowers and jewelry are decidedly out of place on horseback1 and a handkerchief should never be thrust into the front of the bodice4 ,it should be put in the slit on the off saddle-flap1 or in the pocket at the left side of the skirt where it opens4 ,sidenote3 ,hair and ,hat ,the hair should be firmly coiled or braided on the neck1 and not worn on top of the head4 ,a top hat is correct1 especially on formal occasions1 but it should not be allowed to slip to the back of the head4 ,however1 ,i prefer usually a derby1 as being more comfortable and looking more business-like4 ,it should be kept on by an elastic which fastens under the hair4 ,pins through the crown are an uncalled-for disfigurement1 and a hat may be made just as secure without them4 ,in fact1 they will be of but little use if the hair is not done high4 ,a large hair-pin on each side should pin the hair over the elastic2 and if the wind or anything else causes the hat to become displaced1 it will not come off entirely1 forcing some one to dismount and restore it to the woman1 who cannot get it alone4 ,hair-pins should be long and bent half-way up each prong1 so that they will not easily slip out4 ,sidenote3 ,veil ,sidenote3 ,whip or ,crop ,when a veil is worn1 it should be of black net or gauze1 never white or figured1 and the ends should be neatly pinned out of sight1 instead of being allowed to float out behind1 like smoke from a steam-engine4 ,if a whip is carried for use1 it should be a substantial stiff one1 held point down1 not a flimsy thing that a sound blow will break1 nor should it be made absurd by a bow or tassel being tied to it4 ,if for style1 then a crop is the correct thing1 with the lash-end held up4 ,the handle should be of horn1 rather than silver or gold1 and the stick quite heavy and somewhat flexible4 ,short bamboo sticks are in favor just now1 and are often tipped with gold1 and have a gold band a few inches from the end where it is held4 ,illustration3 ,,crop ,sidenote3 ,spur ,i do not approve of a spur for women1 as it is difficult to use it just right1 and its unintentional application often has disastrous results1 while should she be dragged by the foot1 it will keep hitting the horse1 urging him faster and faster4 ,in mounting1 the spur sometimes strikes the horse1 making him shy just as the rider expects to reach the saddle1 and a nasty fall is the consequence4 ,where a man would use it advantageously1 a woman cannot produce the same effect1 having it only on one side4 ,moreover1 a horse suitable for her to ride should not require more than her heel and her whip4 ,illustration3 ,a ,,good ,,spur ,some horses are very cunning1 and will shirk their work if they discover that there is no spur to urge them1 but such may be taught that a whip in skilful hands is quite as effective4 ,in a crowd a spur is of value1 as it may be applied noiselessly1 and without danger of startling other horses1 as a whip will do4 ,in leaping1 a spur on one side of the horse and the whip on the other form a combination which will often compel him to jump when1 from sulkiness or indolence1 he has been refusing4 ,it requires some practice1 however1 to use it in the right place and at the right moment2 a woman's skirt has an unhappy faculty of intercepting the spur when it should strike him1 and her heel of hitting the horse when it should leave him alone4 ,for these reasons ,i am in favor of women riding without a spur when it is possible1 for1 although it looks well as a finish to a boot1 its adoption by inexpert riders may lead to sad results4 ,if a spur is to be worn1 there are several kinds from which to choose4 ,i prefer a box-spur with a rowel1 such as men use1 but having a guard1 which prevents it from catching in the habit1 and lessens the probabilities of its unintentionally punishing a horse4 ,when it is applied with force1 the rowel comes through the guard1 which works on a spring1 and upon releasing the pressure the guard again protects the sharp rowel4 ,they may be of the kind that fit in a box which has been put in the heel of the boot1 or they may have straps and buckle over the instep4 ,,viii ,,leaping ,sidenote3 ,requirements ,when a woman has attained some degree of proficiency in the saddle1 she will probably desire to perfect herself in riding by learning to leap4 ,her equestrian education cannot be considered complete without this1 but she should not attempt it until she has learned thoroughly how to ride correctly on the road4 ,a secure seat1 light hands1 a cool head1 quick perception1 judgment1 and courage form a combination which will enable her in a short time to acquire skill in jumping4 ,few women possess all these qualities1 but an effort should be made to obtain as many of them as possible before trying to jump4 ,sidenote3 ,in the ,ring ,the first lessons should be on a horse which has been well trained to this work and requires no assistance from his rider4 ,he should inspire confidence1 and jump easily and surely rather than brilliantly4 ,i think it is well to begin in a school over bars1 as there the rider is not under the necessity of choosing a good take-off or landing1 and is thus free to give undivided attention to herself4 ,sidenote3 ,approaching ,jump ,three feet is high enough to put the bars at the start2 or they may be even lower should the rider feel timid4 ,as she approaches the jump she must sit firmly in the middle of the saddle 7not hanging either to the right or to the left1 thereby upsetting the horse's balance71 and she must look straight at the obstacle1 with her head up and her body thrown a trifle back4 ,the reins should at first be held in both hands1 for several reasons4 ,it lessens the chances of sitting crooked1 and it prevents throwing up the right arm as the horse jumps--a common and unsightly practice1 calculated to frighten him and distract his attention from his work1 and to jerk his mouth1 while it has no redeeming features4 ,in addition to this1 when the horse lands1 the reins are not so liable to slip through two hands as through one4 ,approaching the jump1 the horse should break into a moderate canter1 and the only rule his rider will be likely to remember at the first trial will be to lean back as he jumps and give him his head4 ,as she becomes accustomed to the action1 her attention must be called to details4 ,while nearing the jump1 she must keep her hands low1 and just feel her horse's mouth with the snaffle without interfering with it or shifting her hold on the reins4 ,quiet1 steady hands are indispensable to success4 ,illustration3 ,,taking ,,off ,sidenote3 ,taking off ,sidenote3 ,landing ,by watching his stride one can tell when he will take off4 ,at that moment he will stretch out his neck2 then she must1 by instantly pushing them forward1 let her hands yield to his mouth4 ,this must be accurately calculated1 for should the pressure on his mouth be varied too suddenly and at the wrong time1 it would throw him out of his stride by letting go of his mouth when he needed steadying4 ,some advocate leaning forward before leaning back as the horse takes off1 but the slight involuntary motion communicated to the body by thrusting the hands forward will be sufficient to precede the backward movement4 ,before he has finished his effort1 she must lean back just enough 7but no farther7 to avoid being thrown forward by the action of his quarters or by the angle at which he comes down4 ,her left heel should not come in contact with him after he has taken off1 although she may strike him with it to urge him on if he goes at the jump too slowly4 ,below the waist she must be firm and immovable2 above1 yielding and flexible4 ,as the horse lands1 she regains her upright position1 and should be careful that he does not pull the reins through her fingers4 ,under all circumstances she must have too firm a hold on the reins to admit of such an occurrence4 ,if the horse stumbles at the moment of landing1 he needs the support of her hands2 or should he bolt1 it must not be necessary to pull in the slack rein before being able to check him4 ,sidenote3 ,lifting ,one of the most erroneous theories extant is that it is desirable to lift a horse at his fences4 ,doing so only necessitates carrying the weight of his rider's hands on his mouth1 and risks pulling the horse into the jump1 while he is hindered from stretching his neck1 as he must to land safely and correctly4 ,hanging on to his mouth is often the cause of a horse's landing on all four feet at once1 or dropping too close to the jump4 ,the pull on the reins holds him back1 thus inducing these bad habits1 and will often make him refuse or dread to jump1 knowing that it entails a sharp jerk on his sensitive mouth4 ,to a casual or ignorant observer it sometimes looks as though a good rider were lifting his horse2 but it only appears so because1 knowing intuitively at just what instant his hands must yield1 he so accurately gives to the animal's mouth that the action of the horse's mouth and the rider's hands is simultaneous4 ,illustration3 ,,about ,,to ,,land ,sidenote3 ,out of ,doors ,after some practice in the ring1 a woman may try jumping out-of-doors1 for inside there is not a sufficient variety of obstacles2 and she should then have a breast-plate attached to her saddle4 ,by this time she should1 in jumping1 hold her reins in one hand1 the snaffle inside1 curb outside1 and quite loose4 ,as she goes towards a jump1 her right hand should be placed in front of the left on the snaffle to steady the horse4 ,in this way she can remove it without leaving an uneven pressure on the horse's mouth1 as would be the case if1 as is customary1 her hand had rested on the two right reins1 then been suddenly withdrawn in order to urge the horse with the whip1 or to protect the face from overhanging branches4 ,sidenote3 ,pilot ,the most favorable conditions under which a woman may begin jumping in the country are when she can go across fields with a capable pilot to give her a lead over some easy timber or walls4 ,she must never forget to see that the horse in front of her is well away from the fence before she jumps1 or she will risk landing on top of him if he makes a mistake2 or if he refuses1 her horse1 if too near1 would be forced to do likewise4 ,she should not allow herself to become dependent on the services of a pilot1 or let her horse become accustomed to jumping only when he has a lead2 therefore she must learn to choose a panel of the fence for herself4 ,sidenote3 ,selecting a ,panel ,supposing the fences to be moderate1 she must decide1 as she canters towards the first1 where she will jump1 and there are a number of considerations by which she must be governed4 ,first1 to find a panel which is low1 for in riding across country it is wise to save one's mount1 as all his strength may be needed at a big place later on4 ,then the take-off must be looked to1 sound level turf being chosen if possible2 and if the landing is plainly visible1 so much the better4 ,a moderately thick top rail is often safer to put a horse at than a very thin round one1 which is liable to be a sapling1 that will not break if a horse tries to crash through it1 as he is sometimes tempted to do by its fragile appearance4 ,it is well to send a horse at the middle of a panel2 for1 should he hit it1 this1 being the weakest spot1 may break1 while should he hit nearer the end1 where it is strong1 he may be thrown4 ,such details as these she will observe instinctively with a little practice4 ,having decided where she will jump1 her horse's head must be pointed straight at the place1 and her mind must not waver4 ,if the rider is determined to go1 and has no misgivings1 the horse is sure to be inspired with the same confidence4 ,having once put him at a panel1 she should avoid changing her mind without good reason1 as her uncertainty will be imparted to him4 ,a fence such as described is jumped just as are the bars in the ring2 safely over it1 the next obstacle must be examined4 ,sidenote3 ,stone ,wall ,if it be a stone wall1 it may often be taken in one of two places--either where it is high and even1 or where it is lower and wide1 because of the stones which have fallen from the top4 ,in the first instance it should be jumped in a collected manner1 but at a slower pace than the second requires4 ,at the latter some speed is necessary1 as the horse must jump wide enough to avoid the rolling stones on both sides4 ,sidenote3 ,in ,hand ,few riders remember that it is as important to keep a horse collected when going fast as at any other time4 ,when he is hurried along1 no chance is given him to measure his stride or get his legs well under him1 but he is nevertheless expected to take off correctly and clear the obstacle4 ,a good rider will always have her horse well in hand1 and never hustle him at his fences1 even if she goes at them with considerable speed4 ,sidenote3 ,trappy ,ground and ,drops ,if the take-off looks treacherous1 or is ploughed or muddy1 the horse should be brought to it at a trot1 well collected1 and allowed to take his time at it4 ,when the ground approaching the jump is uphill1 or descending1 the same tactics should be pursued1 and unlimited rein given the horse4 ,on encountering a drop on the far side of a fence or wall1 a woman must lean back as far as possible1 leaving the reins long1 but ready to support the horse's head as he lands4 ,at a trappy place1 where1 for instance1 there might be a broken-down fence among some trees1 overgrown with vines and bushes1 the horse must be taken quietly and slowly and made to crawl through the gap4 ,his rider will even then have enough trouble in keeping her feet clear of the vines1 and in preventing the branches from hitting her face1 which she could not do if a jump were made with a rush4 ,if her horse carries his head high1 she can probably pass where it has been without injury by leaning forward over his withers1 to the right1 and raising her right arm to ward off the branches with her whip or crop4 ,sidenote3 ,in-and-out ,sometimes she will not notice a limb or other obstruction until almost under it1 when it will be necessary for her to lean back1 resting her shoulders on the horse's quarters4 ,under these circumstances it is most important that her right arm should guard her eyes from pieces of bark or other falling particles4 ,where two fences are within a few feet of each other1 forming an in-and-out1 the pace needs to be carefully regulated4 ,if the horse goes very fast1 he will jump so wide that he will land too close to the second fence to take off as he should4 ,therefore if he is rushing1 his stride must be shortened and his hind-legs brought well under him4 ,on the other hand1 he must not go so slowly that all impetus for the second effort is lost1 as he would then be likely to refuse4 ,it is difficult to turn him in so short a space and get him into his stride before he is called upon to jump4 ,at a ditch or stream considerable speed is needed to gain the momentum necessary to cover the distance1 and the horse must have plenty of rein given him4 ,sidenote3 ,picket and ,slat ,fences ,a picket fence is usually regarded as a very formidable obstacle1 but if negotiated properly it is no worse than others4 ,it should be taken at a good rate of speed1 for the danger is that the horse will get hung up on it and be cut with the points by not having enough impetus4 ,it is not so dangerous to hit this fence in front1 for it is frail and the top of the pickets will snap off at the binder if hit with force4 ,a slat fence is more to be dreaded1 on account of the ledge on the top of it formed by the binder4 ,this should be taken with deliberation1 as the thing to be guarded against is having the horse hit his knees on the ledge which protrudes a couple of inches beyond the fence4 ,the lower slats give way easily if they are approached from the side where the posts are2 if from the opposite direction1 they are braced against the posts and offer great resistance4 ,sidenote3 ,wire ,any fence that has wire on it should be avoided if possible1 unless the horse has been trained to jump it4 ,when it extends along the top of a fence1 the horse should be made to jump a post1 as it is not safe to count on his seeing the wire4 ,if the fence is made of strands of wire1 with only a binder of timber1 it should be taken slowly1 so that the horse will not attempt to crash through it1 under the impression that it is a single bar4 ,sidenote3 ,combined ,obstacles ,a stone wall having a rail on top must be taken in the horse's stride1 for considerable swing is required1 as there is width as well as height to clear4 ,when a ditch is on the near side of a wall or fence1 the horse should be allowed time to see it4 ,when it is on the landing side1 he should be sent at it fast enough to carry him safely over4 ,thus far ,i have been supposing that the horse has gone without a mistake4 ,under these circumstances he should not be struck--just to encourage him1 as some maintain--or he will grow to dislike jumping if associated with a blow4 ,no woman who rides much can expect to be always so perfectly mounted2 therefore1 a few suggestions as to what she should do in emergencies may be of practical value4 ,sidenote3 ,refusing ,sidenote3 ,timidity ,the most common fault of the jumper is refusing1 and it must be dealt with according to its cause4 ,if it arises from weakness in the hocks1 the horse hesitating to propel himself by them1 or from weak knees1 or corns that cause him to dread the concussion of landing1 he should not be forced to jump--it is both cruel and unsafe4 ,if he be sound and well1 and the fence not beyond his capabilities1 the rider must know whether the disinclination to jump comes from timidity or from temper4 ,she will soon learn to distinguish between the two1 but it is difficult to lay down any rule for recognizing the difference4 ,if she thinks it is for the former reason1 the cause may be that he was not in his stride when he should have taken off1 and was allowed to sprawl as he cantered4 ,she should take him back and keep him well collected1 making him take short1 quick strides in the canter1 measuring the distance1 and giving him his head when he should take off4 ,if he seems inclined to swerve or hesitate1 the whip1 applied just when he should rise1 will often prevent his stopping4 ,when over1 a caress and a word of praise will greatly encourage him4 ,sidenote3 ,temper ,temper is a very different and a very difficult thing to manage4 ,coaxing and ingenuity may accomplish something2 turning him short at another place will often surprise him into jumping before he realizes it4 ,the human voice has great power over animals1 and a few loud1 sharp exclamations1 with a quick use of the whip1 may make him take off when otherwise he would have refused4 ,a really obstinate horse1 having made up his mind not to jump1 needs such a thrashing as a woman is seldom able to give him4 ,if she begins it1 she must keep it up until she has conquered him1 or he will try the same trick constantly4 ,as a horse almost invariably turns to the left when he refuses1 a sharp crack on the near shoulder1 being unusual and unexpected1 sometimes prevents his turning4 ,when1 in one way or another1 he finally has been forced to yield1 he should be rewarded by a few words of approval4 ,at the next fence a firm hold1 keeping his head straight and his legs well under him1 will be of more service than a whip1 unless he refuses again1 when the lesson must be repeated4 ,sidenote3 ,rider at ,fault ,at least half of the refusals are the fault of the rider1 and it is most unjust to punish a horse at such times4 ,unfortunately1 conceit is such a common failing that few of us are willing to acknowledge ourselves in the wrong1 therefore the poor horse suffers for our error4 ,the timid rider sends the horse at an obstacle in such a half-hearted way that he does not know whether he is expected to jump or not2 or1 feeling his rider waver1 he imagines there must be unknown dangers connected with the place1 and so hesitates to encounter them4 ,one of a woman's frequent failings is shifting the reins as she nears a jump4 ,this form of nervousness is very disconcerting to a horse1 and takes his mind from the work in front of him4 ,lack of skill makes one lug at a horse's mouth just as he is getting ready to jump1 thus throwing him out of his stride and frustrating his effort4 ,after one or two refusals1 a woman often puts her horse at the place in a mechanical way1 fully expecting the animal to stop1 and doing nothing to guard against such an occurrence4 ,if she would instead then summon all her courage1 and determine to go either over or through the fence1 and ride at it with resolution1 the horse would be infected with her spirit and probably clear the obstacle1 as he would have done at first had his rider's heart then been in the right place4 ,in such cases it does not seem fair to punish a horse for our own want of nerve4 ,,ix ,,leaping--7,continued7 ,sidenote3 ,rushers ,on a horse which rushes when put at a jump1 the use of the whip will only make matters worse4 ,this habit of rushing comes most frequently from the horse having been frightened while being taught to jump1 either by extreme harshness and punishment or from having hurt himself severely4 ,even if it comes from viciousness1 quiet1 kind treatment will do more to eradicate the tendency than coercive measures4 ,such a horse should be walked towards a fence until within half a dozen strides of it4 ,this can best be achieved by not indicating that he will be expected to jump1 but by approaching it as though by chance4 ,otherwise the restraint will make him the more unmanageable when he does start4 ,he should be induced to stand a few moments1 while his rider strokes him and talks to him in a soothing way4 ,the snaffle should then be gradually and quietly shortened until there is a light but firm feeling on the reins1 when a pressure of the leg 7not of the heel1 which might suggest a spur7 will put him to a trot4 ,if the hands be held low and steady and the voice be soft and pacifying1 they will probably prevail upon him to trot all the way1 although he may break into a canter a stride before the jump4 ,when over it he should be gently1 not sharply1 pulled up1 and coaxed to walk again1 or1 better still1 to trot slowly4 ,when he has learned to jump from the trot he will soon do so from a slow canter1 which will be more trying for him1 as it has a closer resemblance to the gait at which he has been in the habit of rushing1 and he will therefore be inclined to return to his old failing4 ,sidenote3 ,balkers ,sometimes a horse will not go near a fence1 and on being urged will back or rear4 ,if he persists in backing1 his head should be turned away from the jump1 and when he finds his movements only bring him nearer the fence1 he will stop4 ,if then he is made to wheel suddenly1 and can be kept going by whip or spur1 he will be likely to jump4 ,should he1 instead1 face the direction in which he should go1 and rear whenever an attempt is made to urge him forward1 the whip only inciting him to rear higher1 the woman who hopes to triumph over him must resort to strategy2 she must not whip him1 at the risk of his falling back on her4 ,a ruse which may prove successful is to occupy his attention by playing with his mouth while he is allowed to go diagonally towards the fence4 ,he will be apt to concede this point1 in the hope of bolting alongside of it2 but when he has been inveigled into a closer proximity to the jump1 even if he be parallel to it1 and before he has time to divine his rider's intention1 he should be turned sharply to the fence4 ,he must be ridden at it resolutely and with a firm hand1 while a determined swing of the body1 corresponding to his stride1 conveys to his mind the impression that he will be forced to jump4 ,if he can be kept moving forward1 he cannot rear2 therefore1 should he attempt to swerve or bolt1 a blow from the whip will keep him straight1 and when he should take off1 another will guard against a refusal4 ,sidenote3 ,sluggards ,a sluggish animal calls for constant watching1 as he cannot be trusted at small places any more than at large ones4 ,he is always liable to rap1 or even fall1 at his fences1 because of the careless1 slovenly manner in which he moves4 ,he should be forced up to the bit1 and kept active by the whip1 the noise of which is desirable in his case1 as it will assist in rousing him4 ,if his laziness or sulkiness is such that he will endeavor to crash through fences1 he is not suitable for any woman to ride4 ,he may miscalculate his power and come in contact with a rail which withstands his weight1 when a fall will ensue4 ,in this case the lunging-rein should be resorted to1 and1 either in a ring or out-of-doors1 the horse should be put over some stiff bars1 that he may learn he will be hurt if he touches them4 ,i do not approve of intentionally throwing him by pulling him in the jump2 there are too many chances of his being injured1 even though he has no weight to carry4 ,the bars should be strong enough to sustain his weight1 without breaking1 so that if he hits them hard he will have a tumble and a lesson4 ,the top bar should1 if possible1 be covered with straw1 to protect the knees from sharp edges4 ,some forcible raps and a few tumbles will teach the horse the necessity of exerting himself1 and how to bend his knees and lift his hind-legs over a jump4 ,sidenote3 ,falls ,a fall is1 at the best1 a dangerous and often a disastrous affair for a woman1 whose very position on a horse lessens the chance of escape from such a predicament without injury4 ,a safety skirt will prevent her being dragged2 but much harm may result from the fall1 even though she be clear of the horse when he gets up4 ,if she is not hurt1 there is still danger that the shock to her nerves will weaken her pluck4 ,should such symptoms appear1 she should remount at once2 for the longer she waits the greater will be her apprehension1 and it might end in her never regaining her nerve4 ,she should make as light of the casualty as possible1 and not regard it seriously if she has been only somewhat bruised or shaken up4 ,it is marvellous how many and what ugly falls one can encounter without being any the worse for them2 nevertheless1 no precaution should be neglected to prevent exposure to them4 ,when a woman has experienced several1 she will know instinctively what to do2 but at first she should try to bear in mind some points which may help her on such occasions4 ,a rider not accustomed to jumping will probably lose her seat if the horse hits a fence with much force2 as she feels herself going she should try to grasp the animal's neck1 and not attempt to keep on by the aid of the reins1 for by so doing she might throw him4 ,even if she has gone farther than the saddle1 if she can fling her weight1 above the waist1 to the off side of the horse's neck1 she will balance there for a moment1 and that will give her time to grasp the saddle and pull herself back4 ,should she find herself beyond that1 then as she slips off she can keep her head from the ground by seizing hold of the breast-plate with one hand1 but without letting go of the reins4 ,these must always be retained1 as their possession renders it impossible for the horse to reach her with his heels1 and precludes the chance of his getting away4 ,if the horse bungles the jump1 or comes down on his knees without disturbing his rider's equilibrium1 and seems likely to fall1 a woman cannot disentangle herself from him in time to get away4 ,if he should go down1 therefore1 she must sit evenly1 leaning back1 that her weight may be taken from his fore-legs1 while he is allowed plenty of rein4 ,he may thus regain his balance or his footing after a scramble2 but it will be impossible1 in a slow fall like this1 for a woman to be thrown clear of him4 ,as he will not roll immediately1 the closer she sits the better2 so that if he tumbles on his near side1 the force of the blow will be broken by the pommels1 which1 if she be sitting close1 will hit the ground first1 thus protecting her legs from the concussion4 ,moreover1 if she were half out of the saddle1 the pommels might strike her chest or crush a rib1 and she would be more likely to be kicked4 ,as the horse makes an effort to get up1 she must be ready to extricate herself from him and scramble as far away as possible1 as the danger then is that he will not regain his feet1 but will sink down a second time and thus roll over his prostrate rider4 ,if he should fall on his off side1 a woman must strive to get clear on that side as he lands1 and not where the horse's feet are4 ,where a ditch has caused a fall1 it is usually from unsound banks2 therefore1 in attempting to climb out1 firmer ground should be chosen4 ,if the woman has been thrown and the horse has landed on top of her1 the ditch being deep or narrow1 she must try to keep his head down until help arrives1 so that he cannot strike her1 as he might do1 because of the limited space1 in his struggles to get up4 ,in a stream1 if she has preserved her seat1 she must keep the horse moving1 or he will be inclined to lie down4 ,if she has been thrown into the water1 she must obtain a hold on the saddle and the reins1 but use only the former to support herself until the horse reaches the shore4 ,in all of these events a cool head and presence of mind will be of the greatest assistance2 but when a horse turns completely over at a fence1 or falls heavily and without warning1 to drop her stirrup1 relax her muscles1 and get clear of him as best she may is all a woman can do4 ,occasionally1 after a number of jumps1 the girths become loosened and the saddle begins to turn4 ,in such an emergency the horse's mane should be firmly grasped and the foot taken out of the stirrup4 ,the horse should be quieted and stopped1 if he is not too much startled by the turning saddle4 ,with a breast-plate it will probably not turn all the way1 and her hold of the mane will enable a woman to keep her head up until some one comes to the rescue4 ,it will probably be a long time before such a variety of contingencies as ,i have mentioned will happen to any one rider4 ,a well-mounted woman may jump a great deal and escape with only a few tumbles4 ,if she perseveres1 there will be so many delightful experiences to counterbalance each mishap that she will gladly risk the consequences of indulging in a sport which1 to so great an extent as leaping1 develops her nerve1 skill1 and self-possession4 ,x ,,riding ,,to ,,hounds ,whether hounds are running on the scent of a fox or a drag1 a woman who is following them should always remember certain points to guide her in her conduct and in the management of her horse while in the field4 ,sidenote3 ,courtesy ,many a beginner renders herself objectionable by striving to take a place among the hard riders of the first flight4 ,it is not to be expected that a woman without experience in the hunting-field can keep up with those who have followed hounds for several seasons2 and should she attempt it1 the probable result would be a fall not only endangering herself and her horse1 but compelling some man to come to her assistance1 and thereby perhaps lose the remainder of the run4 ,even though too well mounted to have this occur1 there are countless ways in which a novice1 in endeavoring to keep on even terms with the leaders1 may unwittingly call down anything but blessings on her head from those for whose good opinion she most cares4 ,it is a mistake for her to suppose that people are watching her1 ready to admire her pluck and dash1 when she crashes through fences because her horse was not collected1 or rides so close to the hounds as to risk hitting them4 ,if she flatters herself that she is cutting out the work1 it is pretty certain she has no business to be so far forward1 and that she will add to the number of men who consider the hunting-field no place for women4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,novice ,a beginner should be content to stay behind the first flight until1 by experience and skill1 she has earned the right to take a better place4 ,at first she should find out which of the men go straight1 yet ride cautiously and manage to keep the hounds in sight4 ,such a one she should choose as her pilot1 rather than a reckless rider or one who shirks his fences4 ,unless she is very well acquainted with him1 a woman should not let a man know that she is following him4 ,it annoys him to think that some one is tagging on behind1 or that he is responsible for the jumps she takes4 ,above all things1 she must invariably give him or any one in front of her time to get well away from a jump before she takes it4 ,this is of the utmost importance1 and is a point neglected by men and women alike in the excitement and impatience of a run4 ,if she desires to be looked upon otherwise than as a nuisance1 she must be as unobtrusive and cool-headed as possible1 always courteous to and considerate of others1 patient when waiting for her turn at a narrow place1 and not try to take jumps that well-mounted1 hard-riding men deem impracticable4 ,sidenote3 ,hard ,riding ,women seldom need to be urged on in the hunting-field2 they require rather to be cautioned and restrained4 ,if they are new at it1 they do not know the dangers to which they are exposed1 so go recklessly2 if they appreciate the chances they take1 they grit their teeth and go desperately2 if they are timid they nevertheless resolve not to be outdone1 and1 trusting all to their horse1 go blindly1 even closing their eyes at a critical moment4 ,therefore hard riding does not prove that a woman has either pluck or skill4 ,she is an exception who goes straight and keeps with the hounds without taking foolish risks1 unnecessarily tiring her mount1 or interfering with others1 for this requires judgment1 discretion1 skill1 and nerve4 ,sidenote3 ,jealous ,riding ,an undesirable trait observed in many instances is jealous riding4 ,this cannot be too strongly condemned1 not only for the unsportsmanlike spirit it betrays1 but because it often threatens the safety of others than those who ride in that manner4 ,a jealous rider crowds past people1 jumps too close to them1 and is constantly trying to be among the first1 regardless of the consequences to those he or she hurries by4 ,the motive that usually actuates a woman in such a case is vanity4 ,she cannot bear to see another woman ahead of her1 so she dashes along unmindful of the rules of etiquette and the hunting-field1 until by pushing1 crowding1 and taking big chances for herself and against others1 she reaches the object of her jealousy1 thinking to wrest from her the admiration of the field4 ,if the other woman is of the same mind and objects to being passed1 a steeple-chase will ensue that may end in accidents1 disabled hounds1 and bad feelings4 ,admiration is far from the minds of the spectators1 who do not fail to see that jealousy and vanity1 not eagerness for sport1 are the incentives to such hard riding4 ,sidenote3 ,desirable ,qualities ,when a woman begins riding to hounds1 she should already have had some experience in larking a horse across country1 and be acquainted with the way to take the different kinds of jumps she will encounter during a run4 ,if she starts with a good seat and hands1 pluck and nerve1 a little time and practice will add composure1 judgment1 and discretion1 and the experience necessary to cross a stiff country without mishap4 ,she may then discard the services of a pilot and ride her own line4 ,sidenote3 ,getting ,away ,when hounds are thrown in1 she must watch them1 and1 although not interfering with their work1 be ready to get away on good terms with them when they begin to run4 ,indecision at the first two jumps may cost one dearly1 for during that moment of hesitation hounds slip away1 horses crowd one another and begin to refuse1 while the few who make the most of their opportunities ride on ahead with the hounds4 ,much hard galloping may retrieve the lost ground1 but a stern chase is always disheartening to horse and rider4 ,by getting away in front1 both are encouraged1 and start with mutual good-will and satisfaction--relations which should always exist between a hunter and his rider4 ,sidenote3 ,indecision ,if1 after pointing her horse's head at a certain part of a jump1 she thinks another place is more inviting1 she must not change her course1 unless certain that she can do so without inconveniencing some one else who may have been going straight at it4 ,it is inexcusable to turn from one place to another by cutting in ahead of following riders4 ,it throws their horses out of their stride1 and may force them to pull up in order to avoid a collision4 ,therefore1 in suddenly changing her direction1 a woman must assure herself that she is at least half a dozen lengths in front of her follower1 who is going straight1 or she must wait until she has been passed4 ,sidenote3 ,right of ,way ,when a horse refuses1 the rule is that the rider shall immediately pull out and give the next a chance to jump4 ,this is so often overlooked in the field1 that a few words seem desirable to impress its importance upon the minds of those who hunt4 ,women particularly seem to consider themselves privileged to keep their horse at a fence while he refuses at each trial1 blocking the way1 if there is no other place to jump1 of those in their rear4 ,frequently1 when her horse refuses1 his rider thinks there is time to try it again before the next one reaches the place2 she puts him at the fence1 in her hurry turning him so short he could not jump if he wanted to1 and the result is that he stops just as the other horse arrives1 whose rider is thereby obliged to pull up4 ,had the woman pulled to one side in the first place1 and waited until her follower had given her horse a lead1 which would probably have induced him to jump1 both would have been in the next field much sooner than her impatience in the first instance eventually permitted4 ,sidenote3 ,funk ,a horse should not be ridden behind one that is likely to refuse1 or he may be inclined to imitate the misdoings of his predecessor4 ,in the same way1 it is injudicious to take a horse to a place where others are refusing1 either from their own or their riders' timidity4 ,he is liable to be infected with their faint-heartedness2 for it needs an unusually sensible1 reliable horse to be the first to jump out from a crowd at a place that has stopped those in front of him4 ,it is far better for a woman to choose another way of reaching the hounds than to risk adding to the number of refusers1 unless she be so well mounted as to be sure of giving the rest a lead4 ,sidenote3 ,excitable and ,sluggish ,horses ,a hot-headed1 excitable horse will go more quietly if he can be made to think he is ahead of the others4 ,therefore his rider should choose a line for herself1 apart from the others1 and if he is a good performer it will be safer to put him at a big jump where he can take it coolly than to trust him at a smaller place where other horses are crowding and goading him into a state of such impatience that in his anxiety to overtake any one in front of him he will jump without calculation1 and endanger all in his vicinity by kicking1 rearing1 or rushing4 ,a sluggish horse1 on the contrary1 should be kept near others1 that their lead and example may arouse his ambition and keep up his heart4 ,it will not do to allow such a horse to fall far behind1 as he will probably get discouraged and refuse to jump without a fight1 at the end of which the hunt may have disappeared in the distance4 ,sidenote3 ,proximity to ,hounds ,it is never wise to ride on the line of hounds1 but rather to the right or left of them4 ,horses directly behind them frighten the hounds and interfere with their hunting4 ,it also makes a few run very fast to keep from being galloped over1 while many others sneak away or get behind the horses1 of whose heels they stand in terror4 ,it is a nuisance to be obliged to stop and give some slow hound a chance to get by1 or1 if not considerate enough to do this1 no rider likes to see a hound going through a fence with the probability of having a horse jump on him1 should he pause for a moment on the other side4 ,a woman will escape these occurrences if she will keep to one side of the pack4 ,in this position it is permissible to ride farther up than when so doing would bring her too near the pack2 but the leading hounds must be watched closely1 and should always be allowed plenty of room to turn sharp to the side where she is1 without bringing them in contact with her horse4 ,the instant they check1 or even hover1 for a moment1 a woman must stop1 and for two reasons3 ,in the first place1 because she does not want to be in the way should it be necessary to cast the hounds in her direction2 and1 secondly1 because she should seize every opportunity of giving her horse a few moments' respite1 which she can afford to do if well enough up to notice what the hounds are doing4 ,sidenote3 ,choosing a ,line ,she must be guided as to her course by the character of the country over which she is riding4 ,if the hounds run over a succession of small hills1 much unnecessary exertion may often be spared the horse by galloping around the base of them1 instead of over their crest4 ,but the hounds must not be lost sight of too long1 or a sharp turn may hide them from view and conceal the line they have taken4 ,when a very steep hill is to be descended1 it should be done by going down sideways in a zig-zag course1 so that in case of a slip or stumble the horse will not roll over1 as he might if attempting to make the descent in a straight line4 ,if the going is rough or through furze or some low growth of underbrush1 a woman should sit well back in her saddle1 and although guiding her horse1 allow him plenty of rein to stretch his neck and see where he is putting his feet4 ,should he stumble or step into a hole1 she will in this way have the best chance of keeping her seat1 and he of regaining his balance4 ,if riding in a district where wire is extensively used for fencing1 it will not do for a woman to go very far to one side of the hounds or to try to cut out a line for herself1 unless she knows the country4 ,otherwise she may get pocketed by the wire1 which few horses here are trained to jump1 and which1 therefore1 should not be ridden at4 ,in this case she would have to go back the way she came until she could get clear of it4 ,in jumping towards the sun1 extra precautions should be taken4 ,a horse is often quite blinded1 and unable to accurately gauge the size of the jump he is to take1 especially if it is timber4 ,when the rays are directly in his eyes1 the best thing to do is to walk him up to and alongside of the fence for a few yards1 giving him a chance to measure it1 then take him back and put him at it4 ,this must not be done where it will interfere with any one else1 but in any case such a jump must be approached slowly4 ,wide ditches and streams are probably shirked as often as any kind of jump4 ,too much preparation for them excites the horse's suspicions and makes him hesitate1 then refuse4 ,a horse must be kept collected1 yet sent along too fast to admit of any faltering on his part1 and there must be no involuntary checking of his stride as the rider tries to see the depth or width of ditch or stream4 ,when such are in sight1 it is well to quicken the horse's pace1 that he may reach the place before he sees any horse refusing1 or before the banks have been made unsound by the jumping of the others4 ,each horse will probably widen the distance as the ground gives way beneath him1 so a woman must use her own judgment in deciding where she will jump1 instead of following some one else4 ,a bog or swamp is a most disagreeable place in which to be caught1 and calls for calmness to get out without a wetting or fall4 ,to quiet the horse is the first thing1 and prevent his plunging into it deeper and deeper1 as he will with every struggle4 ,should he be sinking1 his rider must get off1 keeping hold of the reins1 for1 although their combined weight would cause the bog to give beneath them1 they might separately be able to keep on the surface1 and quietly and gradually work their way to firm ground4 ,whenever one comes upon something that cannot be seen at a distance1 such as a hole1 a drop1 or a wire1 the first person who discovers it should warn those behind by shouting back what it is1 and1 if possible1 motioning where it is1 that those in the rear may avoid it1 each person cautioning the next one4 ,,xi ,,sympathy ,,between ,,horse ,,and ,,woman ,the advantages derived from the existence of sympathy between horse and rider cannot be too highly estimated4 ,when a woman gives her horse to understand that he will be ruled by kindness1 he is very certain to serve her far more willingly and faithfully than if she tried to control him by force4 ,if he has learned to be fond of her voice1 it will calm and reassure him in moments of excitement which might otherwise result in a runaway2 it will stimulate him to expend his best energies at her command1 when force or punishment would fail1 and will do more to establish a mutual understanding in a few weeks than would be gained in as many months of silent control4 ,a horse soon learns to distinguish the intonation of words of praise from those of censure1 terms of endearment from admonition1 and will often respond to them more readily than to severe discipline4 ,few horses are so dull as not to be susceptible to kindness1 or so vicious as not to be influenced by gentle treatment4 ,sidenote3 ,talking to ,horse ,i do not approve of a woman1 once she is in the saddle1 entering upon a lengthy address of endearment to her horse if she is riding with friends4 ,they may care for a little of her attention themselves2 it is just as well not to show them the horse is the more interesting1 even if she feels so4 ,moreover1 incessant chatter becomes after a little time so familiar to the animal that the voice loses its power when intended to convey a definite meaning1 and he fails to distinguish the difference between commands and idle pettings4 ,it is only necessary to reprove him1 to give words of command1 such as walk1 trot1 canter1 whoa1 which he may easily be taught to obey1 and a few words accompanied by a caress to soothe1 encourage1 or command him when the occasion presents itself4 ,when living in the country1 with a stable near the house1 a woman is afforded the most favorable opportunity of making friends with her horse4 ,a good way to begin will be to dismount at the stable after a ride and take off the saddle and bridle4 ,it is very simple1 for it is only to unbuckle the outside leather girth1 stirrup leather1 two inside girths1 and perhaps a balance strap1 and take off the saddle1 unfasten the throat latch1 lip strap1 and curb chain on the bridle1 throw the reins over his head1 and take hold of the headstall1 when he will withdraw his head4 ,she must have his halter ready to put on at once1 or he might pull away4 ,this will give him a pleasant impression of her1 which is an important point gained4 ,should she through some mistake find no one in the stable1 and the horse in a heat at the end of her ride1 she should not hesitate to scrape him herself1 brush the mud off his legs1 put a light blanket on him1 give him only a mouthful of water1 and put him in his stall with a little hay4 ,if she will rub his ears1 and sponge out his mouth1 it will be a great relief to him4 ,all this should be accomplished in a quiet manner1 nothing done to alarm or excite him2 and she may talk to him most of the time1 and thus become quite friendly with him4 ,sidenote3 ,in the ,stall ,when she visits him in the stall1 she should always speak before touching him or entering1 otherwise he might be startled and kick or plunge from fright4 ,if in a standing stall1 entrance should always be made at the near side of the horse4 ,i greatly prefer a loose box in which the horse may turn at his pleasure4 ,if he eats too much of his bedding1 it is better to keep a leather muzzle on him than to tie his head up4 ,before opening the door of the box1 he should be induced to face it1 to avoid the possibility of his kicking4 ,this can be managed by offering him some sugar1 carrots1 or oats1 which he will come for1 held quietly on the palm of the hand1 with the fingers out of his reach4 ,it is well for a woman1 at first1 to keep a light hold of the halter1 so that he cannot crush her against the wall or hit her with his head4 ,she should never put her head above his1 or a severe knock may be the result4 ,she should pet him1 avoiding all sudden movements1 and accustom him to her voice2 when it has become familiar to him1 he will listen for it1 and neigh at her approach4 ,if he seems inclined to kick1 the closer she keeps to him the better1 as then she will receive only a shove1 instead of the full force of the blow4 ,if he shows a tendency to nip or bite1 from play or mischief1 he should be muzzled until1 by coaxing and kindness1 he has been made to give it up4 ,to strike him would be to turn his playful though dangerous prank into a vicious habit4 ,in petting him she should begin by stroking his neck1 and gradually work down and backwards with a firm1 light touch1 until he does not resent being handled4 ,he must be taught to let her lean on any part of him1 and not to fear her skirts4 ,this is often of value in case a woman is thrown and her habit catches on the saddle2 for if the horse were accustomed to her weight and skirt being against him1 he would not become frightened4 ,knowing her voice1 he might be quieted by it1 and had he learned the important lesson of stopping at the word whoa1 she might escape being dragged4 ,sidenote3 ,on the ,road ,if in the course of a ride a woman dismounts at a house or stable1 she should always be sure that a light blanket is immediately thrown over her horse4 ,she should not start for a ride until some time after her horse has been fed1 or his digestion will become impaired1 as would hers under similar circumstances4 ,after mounting1 it is always well1 by a light hold of the snaffle1 to make a horse walk a short while2 it is most annoying to have him start with a series of plunges or an inclination to bolt4 ,if he is so fresh that he will not walk without restraint likely to irritate him1 perhaps spoiling his temper for the rest of the ride1 it will be better to let him indulge in a brisk trot1 after which he may be brought back to a walk4 ,the next time1 if having had more work1 he will walk at first1 while had his mouth been jerked the previous time1 or a fight ensued1 he would remember it1 and prepare for a repetition of the performance4 ,a horse should not of his own will be allowed to change his gaits1 but his rider must think to vary them2 for if the horse is kept on one too long1 it tires him unnecessarily and causes him to travel carelessly4 ,whatever gait she makes him adopt1 it should be distinct and regular1 and he should be kept collected and not urged beyond the pace at which he can comfortably travel4 ,sidenote3 ,cautions ,a jog-trot1 trotting in front and cantering behind1 and other such eccentricities1 should not be permitted in a park hack4 ,in turning a corner1 the horse should always be somewhat supported1 and have his hind-legs brought well under him1 or he will be liable to slip4 ,he should never be cantered around a corner unless leading with the foot towards which he will turn4 ,he should not be pulled up abruptly1 unless to avoid sudden obstacles1 but his pace should be gradually decreased until it is as required4 ,a sharp stop entails considerable strain on the back tendons and hocks1 and if done too often would be apt to make the horse throw a curb4 ,in going downhill1 a walk is the gait which should be taken1 or the horse's fore-legs will suffer4 ,should the ground be uneven and rough1 or covered with rolling stones1 the horse ought to be permitted to walk4 ,his head should not be held too tightly1 or he will be unable to see where he is going1 while if the reins are slack he will appreciate that he must pick his way1 and then will seldom put a foot wrong4 ,it is most undesirable to canter where there is a hard road2 nothing will more quickly use up a horse than pounding along1 each stride laying the foundation of windgalls and stiffness1 if nothing more serious results from this ill-advised practice4 ,if a horse is at all warm1 he must never be allowed to stand in a draught2 five minutes of it might founder him1 so that he would be ruined1 or thrown into pneumonia4 ,if1 while on her ride1 a woman should be forced to wait1 she must keep her horse moving in a circle or any other way1 keeping his chest from the wind as much as possible4 ,before reaching home1 the horse should be walked for some time1 so that he may enter the stable cool1 and not be endangered by draughts if not attended to at once4 ,when riding with others1 their horses should be regarded2 and as the woman sets the pace1 she should not make it faster than that which her companions' horses can easily maintain4 ,,xii ,,practical ,,knowledge ,,of ,,the ,,stable ,sidenote3 ,stabling ,the woman should visit her horse in the stable1 and there she cannot talk to him too much4 ,if it be a private one1 ,i assume that it is constructed on hygienic principles2 but as horses are frequently boarded at livery-stables1 a woman should not leave the choice of a stall to her groom4 ,she should see that of those procurable it is the best drained and ventilated1 though free from draughts1 and well lighted4 ,if these conditions are not obtained1 sickness and incapacity may be looked for in the horse4 ,she should notice the feed occasionally1 and see that her horse is supplied with all he requires1 and of the best quality1 and that he has an abundance of good bedding4 ,a frequent or indiscriminate use of physics is to be deprecated4 ,pure air1 good food1 careful grooming1 and regular1 moderate exercise are the best tonics4 ,sidenote3 ,picking up ,feet ,she must learn to pick up her horse's feet1 as she should examine his shoes personally1 and ascertain that they have been made to fit the feet1 instead of the horn being rasped away to fit the shoes4 ,the soles must be pared1 but the frogs and bars should not be interfered with4 ,she cannot expect to have the shoes on more than a month2 although1 if the horse has not had enough work to wear them down1 they may be removed and put on again1 for were they worn too long1 corns and inflammation1 causing lameness1 would be the result4 ,another reason for knowing how to lift his feet is that he might pick up a stone on the road1 and if alone she would be obliged to take it out1 or run the risk of seriously laming him4 ,while a woman is playing with him is an excellent opportunity for her to look at her horse's feet1 which should be taken up in the following manner4 ,she must stand on his near side1 a trifle back of his fore-legs1 and facing his hind ones4 ,she should run her left hand from his knee to his fetlock1 behind1 and inside of his near fore-leg1 grasping just below his fetlock1 with the fingers on the coronet and the thumb above on the pastern4 ,a horse which has been broken will yield his foot1 bending his knee at once1 but sometimes with such force that she must keep her head held up1 so that there be no chance of contact with his heel4 ,with the right hand she can examine his foot1 after which she may pass to his off fore-foot1 and then to the near hind-leg4 ,for this she must stand close to his side1 and stroke him firmly from the quarters to the hock4 ,passing her right hand under his hock to his fetlock1 and grasping his foot as she did the fore one1 she must raise it1 letting the hock rest in the angle of her arm1 while with her right hand she turns up the foot for inspection4 ,she must not lean too far over or get back of the horse1 or she is likely to be kicked if he offers any resistance4 ,then1 too1 she may unfasten the roller and throw back his blanket1 that she may be sure the saddle has not rubbed his back4 ,a slight abrasion of the skin1 if treated at once1 will require only a day or two to heal2 but if neglected for some days1 the time will be greatly prolonged4 ,if any soreness is detected1 the saddle should be looked to immediately and the cause of the trouble remedied4 ,sidenote3 ,grooming ,a shining coat is not positive proof that the horse is properly groomed4 ,the hair should be rubbed the wrong way1 and if the skin leaves a whitish deposit on the fingers1 it will be well for the horse's owner to watch the groom the next time the horse is dressed1 and to insist upon its being thoroughly done4 ,sidenote3 ,bitting ,much of what seems to be vice in a horse comes from his having been imperfectly bitted when young1 or from subsequently having his mouth roughly handled4 ,he should always be ridden in as easy a bit as possible1 as some horses go well and quietly in a plain snaffle1 and will pull1 bolt1 or run in a curb or any severe contrivance4 ,no rule can be given as to what bit will best control certain tendencies4 ,experimenting with each kind will be the only means of finding out1 but pulling is as likely to arise from an over-sensitive mouth as from a hard one1 in which case a rubber snaffle might prove efficacious where a ,chifney would fail4 ,sometimes certain parts of the mouth become callous1 and a bit bearing on a different place might produce the desired result4 ,most horses will go well in a bit and bridoon1 varied to suit their peculiarities by the height of the port1 the length of the branches1 and the pressure of the curb-chain4 ,there are certain points which should always be regarded4 ,the mouth-piece must fit the horse's mouth exactly1 being neither so narrow as to pinch him1 nor so wide as to lose its power4 ,the port should be the same width as the tongue-channel1 and no higher than required to leave room for the tongue4 ,the curb-chain must be sufficiently tight to furnish leverage for the branches1 yet not so tight as to pinch the jaw when no force is applied4 ,sidenote3 ,clipping ,clipping horses in winter ,i have heard objected to on the ground of its being unsafe to deprive them of the thick coat which affords protection from the cold4 ,if their coat is thick and long1 it is1 in my opinion1 much wiser to clip them1 and for several very good reasons4 ,their work is rarely continuous1 and the alternating of the heated with the cooling-off condition is very liable to work more or less injury4 ,a heavy-coated horse which has been driven until very warm1 and then left for half an hour to stand outside of a shop or house and become chilled by the wind striking the heavy wet coat1 which frequently does not dry for hours1 is likely to become a subject for the veterinary4 ,on the other hand1 if the horse is clipped1 he does not get so warm in the first place1 and1 in the second1 would cool off more quickly and without danger of becoming chilled4 ,in very cold weather quarter blankets will furnish all the protection necessary1 and prevent the wind from striking the horse while standing4 ,with saddle horses1 although not so important1 it is an advantage to have them clipped1 because a cold day is certain to make the rider go steadily to keep warm1 and the horse1 becoming overheated 7if his coat is heavy71 is in great danger of taking cold if permitted to stand for a moment in a draught4 ,sidenote3 ,bridling ,no woman who rides should be without a practical knowledge of how to saddle and bridle her horse1 as the groom often turns him out imperfectly bitted or girthed2 and unless she knows how to do it herself1 she will not perceive that anything is wrong until too late to prevent mischief4 ,she should learn to hold the bridle by the headstall1 in her left hand1 as with the right she slips off the horse's halter1 and throws the reins over his head4 ,then change it to the right hand1 putting her left on the bits1 which she gently inserts between his jaws4 ,with the right she must pull his ears under the headstall1 and then turn her attention to fitting the bridle4 ,she must see that the headstall fits1 that the forehead-band is not too tight1 and that there is plenty of room between the throat-latch and the throat4 ,the snaffle-rein is fitted by the buckles of the cheek-piece1 and should fall a trifle below the angle of the mouth4 ,the curb needs careful adjustment1 that the mouth-piece may rest exactly on the bars of the mouth4 ,then the chain must be hooked when quite flat on the chin-groove1 but not tight enough1 unless used vigorously1 to inconvenience the horse4 ,the lip-strap should pass through the small ring attached to the curb-chain1 thus keeping it in place4 ,i like a bridle with buckles1 or billets as they are called1 rather than one which is stitched to the rings4 ,in the first place1 it is frequently desirable to change the bits1 especially in a large stable1 and being sewed would necessitate a bridle for each bit4 ,furthermore1 when the bits are washed1 the leather gets wet1 and the stitching is apt to become rotten1 and unexpectedly give way at a critical moment1 when some unusual strain is put on it4 ,illustration3 ,,double ,,bridle ,,for ,,general ,,use ,sidenote3 ,noseband ,a noseband furnishes additional control over a horse2 but it should not be attached to the bridle1 or it may interfere with the action of the bit4 ,it should have a headstall and cheek-pieces1 and be buckled tight enough to prevent the horse from opening his mouth too wide1 but it must not restrain his breathing4 ,sidenote3 ,martingale ,if a martingale is used1 ,i much prefer a running to a standing one4 ,it is useful with star-gazers or horses that get their noses out too far4 ,some horses need one to steady them in hunting1 but the running martingale is the only one which should be tolerated in jumping1 and then not be used unless necessary4 ,it is attached to a girth1 and at the two upper ends are sewed rings through which the snaffle passes4 ,with a running martingale there must be a stop on each snaffle1 considerably larger than the rings of the martingale2 otherwise there is danger of these rings getting caught in the bits1 frightening the horse1 and making him rear or back1 as there is no way to release the pressure thus brought on his mouth4 ,the length should be carefully regulated1 so that it will keep the horse's head at the desired height4 ,this admits of considerable play to the horse1 but within control of the rider1 while with a standing martingale no liberty is attainable4 ,once mounted1 the rider cannot influence its bearing2 and should the horse trip1 he cannot fling up his head1 as he must to regain his balance4 ,sidenote3 ,breast-plate ,for ordinary riding a breast-plate is not always used1 but in hunting it is almost indispensable1 and is always a safeguard against a woman's saddle slipping back4 ,it is put on over the horse's head with the reins1 and one strap passes between his fore-legs1 through the loop of which one of the girths passes4 ,two other ends buckle1 one on each side of the saddle1 near the horse's withers1 and it should be loose enough to admit of free movement in galloping and jumping4 ,illustration3 ,,correct ,,saddle ,illustration3 ,,undesirable ,,saddle ,sidenote3 ,the ,saddle ,the saddle should be very plain in appearance4 ,it must have a level seat1 which can only be obtained in those having the tree cut away above the withers2 otherwise1 to clear them1 the saddle must be so elevated in front that it is sometimes six inches higher than the cantle1 placing the knee in an awkward and fatiguing position1 and it is impossible to rise without an unusual amount of exertion1 which will lead to arching the back1 thrusting the head forward1 and probably galling the horse's withers4 ,there should be no third pommel1 such as there formerly was on the right side of the saddle1 bending to the left over the right leg4 ,the two pommels must fit the knees exactly1 or the circulation will be impeded1 and a cramp brought on which renders the muscles powerless to grip the pommels4 ,the seat must extend about an inch beyond the line of the spine1 and1 although ,i usually object to it1 for a child the seat should be covered with buckskin4 ,no more padding should be used than is required to fit the horse's back1 as it looks badly for the top of the saddle to be several inches above the horse4 ,moreover1 the nearer one is to the animal's back1 the greater will be the control4 ,it enables one more readily to detect the stiffening of the muscles when mischief is contemplated1 and to be prepared to thwart it4 ,it should not have any superfluous straps1 stitching1 or attempts at ornamentation3 the simpler the style the better2 even the slit on the saddle-flap for the pocket is now frequently dispensed with4 ,a safety pommel-band is sometimes fastened from the extreme upper forward end of the right saddle-flap to the top of the right pommel1 thence to the left4 ,this lessens the likelihood of a skirt becoming caught4 ,sidenote3 ,stirrup ,on no account should a slipper stirrup be used1 but a safety stirrup without any padding1 and one which does not work by having the bottom drop out1 as these are apt to come to pieces when least desired1 leaving the foot without any support4 ,the best kind have the inner half-circle jointed in the middle and working on a hinge at both sides1 so that it can open only on being pulled from below1 as in case of a fall4 ,next to this in safety comes a plain1 small racing stirrup4 ,illustration3 ,,safety ,,stirrup1 ,,closed ,sidenote3 ,girths ,the ,fitz-,william web girths are the best for a woman's saddle1 white being used in preference to darker shades4 ,there are braided raw-hide and also cord girths1 the former being very serviceable1 but they do not look so well as either of the others4 ,illustration3 ,,safety ,,stirrup1 ,,open ,sidenote3 ,saddling ,when the saddle is in position1 free from the play of the shoulders1 the first girth is taken up1 then the back one1 and kept clear of the horse's elbows1 that his action may not be impeded4 ,although pulling the girths excessively tight is to be avoided1 it will not do to leave them loose1 as a woman's unevenly distributed weight might cause the saddle to turn4 ,any wrinkles in the skin caused by the girthing should be smoothed away by passing the fingers between the girths and the horse4 ,then the stirrup-leather is buckled1 after this the outside leather strap that keeps the saddle-flap in place1 and finally the balance-strap1 which must be fairly tight1 assists in keeping the saddle in position4 ,before mounting she should always glance at the saddle and bridle1 and be sure that they are properly put on2 otherwise her ride may be rendered uncomfortable1 if not dangerous4 ,,xiii ,,something ,,on ,,driving ,sidenote3 ,desirability of ,instruction ,ninety-nine women out of every hundred are firmly convinced that instruction is by no means necessary to their driving safely and in good form4 ,four men out of five labor under the same delusion4 ,it is a sad error1 that leads to numberless failures1 and many accidents which might so easily be avoided if the services of a competent teacher were employed at the beginning4 ,having seen others drive without any apparent difficulty1 the novice conceives the notion that there is nothing to learn which cannot be mastered without assistance after one or two attempts4 ,if such a one escapes a bill of damages1 it should be credited to the ministering care of her guardian angel4 ,she may indeed escape accident2 she may learn to start without dislocating the neck of every one in the trap1 and get around the corner without an upset2 but she will never learn to drive4 ,there is something more for her to know than that she must pull the off rein to turn to the right and the near one to go to the left1 though this appears to be the extent of knowledge deemed necessary4 ,women1 even more than men1 require a thorough understanding of what they are doing1 for they lack the strength to rectify a miscalculation at the last moment4 ,the ignorance1 indecision1 and weakness frequently displayed by women in driving are what so often render them objects of apprehension to experienced whips4 ,it is folly for any woman to flatter herself that she needs only a little practice1 and that the rest will come4 ,if she has not begun correctly1 practice will only wed her to the faults she must have acquired4 ,assuming1 however1 for the sake of argument1 that1 after having discounted her call on an all-protecting ,providence and stricken with terror her long-suffering friends1 she manages to guide the family nag along the turnpike without the aid of a civil escort to clear the road before her--what of it8 ,she hasn't learned anything2 her form is execrable2 and in case of an emergency she is quite as unprepared as when she took up the reins weeks before1 with the ill-conceived notion that she was not of the common clay1 and that1 a whip1 rather than a rattle1 had been the insignia of her infantile days4 ,how much better1 safer1 and more sensible to acquire good form than by its neglect to become an object of ridicule to those who1 by their knowledge of driving and exposition of superior horsemanship1 are entitled to criticise others who have disregarded proper instruction1 and1 wise in their own conceit1 relied on their ignorance for guidance4 ,sidenote3 ,vulgar ,display ,some women there are who drive only because they consider it the proper thing4 ,absorbed in the opportunity for display1 and ignorant of the fitness of things1 they array themselves in the treasures of their wardrobe1 more likely than not to be a gay silk1 and1 with every discordant ribbon and flounce of their bizarre costume loudly challenging the attention of the on-lookers1 they sally forth perched on the box of a spider phaeton1 ,tilbury1 or dog-cart1 indifferent to1 because ignorant of1 the incongruity of their turnout1 unconscious of the signal they have flung to the breeze1 which unmistakably proclaims their lack of early instruction4 ,sidenote3 ,bad ,form ,these are they who in the handling of their animals instantly call to mind the puppet-shows of our childhood days1 and fill us with an almost irresistible desire to look under the box-seat and discover who is working the invisible wires4 ,every movement is spasmodic--the arms work as though an alternating electric current were constantly being turned through them--the hands finger the reins nervously2 and if the vehicle happens to be a two-wheeler1 the unhappy driver looks as though every jolt of the poorly balanced cart would send her into the road from her very insecure seat4 ,another harrowing spectacle is that of the woman leaning forward1 a rein in each hand1 with her arms dragged almost over the dash-board by her horse's mouth1 a look of direful expectancy in her eyes1 and a much be-flowered and be-ribboned hat occupying unmolested a rakish position over one ear1 where it has fallen during her hopeless struggle with the reins4 ,illustration3 ,a ,,well-,,balanced ,,cart ,sidenote3 ,costume ,it is strange women should not have a sufficiently clear idea of the fitness of things to realize that elaborate toilets of silks1 laces1 and flowers1 and large hats1 although appropriate in a victoria1 are inconvenient and totally out of place when driving a sporting-trap1 such as a dog-cart4 ,a plain1 neatly fitting1 but not tight cloth suit1 with a small hat1 which will not catch the wind1 is far more serviceable and in better taste4 ,however1 she should avoid the other extreme affected by the woman who desires to appear masculine and sporty1 and who1 showing a large expanse of shirt front1 wears a conspicuous plaid suggestive of a horse-blanket4 ,this specimen of feminine horsy-ness invariably drives with her hands held almost under her chin1 and her whip in as vertical a position as herself4 ,she is as powerless to control her animal as is the one who leans over the dash-board4 ,sidenote3 ,cockade ,this is the sort of woman who compels her groom1 if she have one1 to wear a cockade in his hat1 in ignorance of the fact that we in this country have no claim to its use4 ,in ,great ,britain it is the distinguishing mark of either the royal family or the military1 naval1 or civil officers of the government2 but used here it is only a meaningless affectation4 ,sidenote3 ,confidence ,to achieve success1 and to obtain a business-like appearance in driving1 a woman must possess confidence in her power to control her horses1 and it must be the confidence derived from knowledge and skill1 and not that born of ignorance or fool-hardiness4 ,she must know what to do1 and how to do it promptly1 under all circumstances1 and this necessitates a thorough comprehension of the sport she is pursuing4 ,it is to be hoped she will gain this from competent instruction1 and that she will embrace every opportunity of adding to her information on the subject4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,family-,horse ,fallacy ,a quiet1 steady old horse1 such as one might expect to see doing farm-work1 cannot always be recommended even to a beginner1 for he generally requires so little management that when he does occasionally become unruly it is so unusual that the woman is taken unawares4 ,moreover1 it makes one careless and slovenly always to drive a horse which goes along in a leisurely manner1 without any display of life4 ,a woman who has been accustomed to such an animal will be at a loss to manage a spirited pair1 should she be called upon to do so4 ,if she begin with a horse which goes well into his collar and does his work generously1 she will learn twice as much as she would in the same time with a lazy horse1 and will sooner be able to drive a pair4 ,sidenote3 ,on the ,box ,the position on the driving seat should be comfortable and firm1 which cannot be the case when it is used merely to lean against1 instead of to sit upon4 ,from the knee down1 the leg should be but slightly bent1 with the feet together and resting against the foot-rail4 ,the elbows should be held near the body1 and the reins in the left hand1 with the little finger down1 and the knuckles pointing straight ahead1 about on a line with or a trifle below the waist1 and in the middle of the body4 ,whether driving one or two horses1 the manner of holding the reins is the same2 but more strength and decision1 as well as the judgment which1 of course1 experience will bring1 are required for the pair4 ,sidenote3 ,position of ,reins ,the near rein belongs on top of the first finger1 held there firmly by the thumb1 and the off rein should be between the second and third fingers4 ,the gloves should be large1 broad across the knuckles1 and long in the fingers2 otherwise cold1 stiff hands will result from the impeded circulation4 ,the right hand1 close to the left1 should contain the whip1 which must be held at an angle of a little less than forty-five degrees1 and at the collar1 about eight to ten inches from the butt1 so that it balances properly4 ,sidenote3 ,handling ,reins ,when about to start1 the reins should be tightened1 to feel the horse's mouth1 and a light touch of the whip will suffice to send him forward4 ,the hand should then yield1 so that as he straightens the traces there will be no jerk on his mouth4 ,in turning to the right or to the left1 the reins must not be separated4 ,the right hand should be placed on the rein1 indicating the desired direction1 until the turn has been made2 but a slight pressure on the opposite rein should keep the horse from going too near a corner4 ,the left hand must not relax its hold1 so that when the right is removed the reins will be even1 as they were before4 ,in stopping1 the body is not to be bent backwards1 suggestive of an expected shock1 and the hands raised to the chin4 ,it cannot be too strongly impressed on the woman's mind that the less perceptible effort she makes1 the more skilful will she appear4 ,therefore1 if she take hold of the reins with her right hand as far in front of the left as she can handily reach1 and then draw them back1 she will have accomplished her purpose in a quiet and easy manner4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,pair ,driving a pair is much the same as driving one horse2 but allowances should be made for the peculiarities of each1 and they should not be treated as though machines of identical construction4 ,frequently a woman driving a nervous horse with a quiet one will hit them both with the whip1 when1 should she touch the quiet one only1 the sound of it would urge the other as much as the blow does the dull one4 ,here is another objection to clucking to horses3 one of them needs it much more than the other1 yet they hear it with equal clearness1 and simultaneously2 therefore the high-mettled horse increases his pace sooner and more than his sluggish companion1 and does more than his share of the work4 ,several noiseless touches of the whip1 administered in quick succession to the laggard1 will do more to equalize their pace than would a sharp1 loud cut or any amount of clucking4 ,sometimes a woman will experience great inconvenience from not having her horses properly bitted and harnessed4 ,this should always be seen to1 either by herself or some one who is competent to judge for her4 ,when she has more than one horse to control1 she will soon become tired if one of them pulls and the other will not go into his collar4 ,a judicious readjustment of the curb-chain and the coupling-rein will often make the difference between discomfort and ease4 ,,xiv ,,something ,,more ,,on ,,driving ,sidenote3 ,management ,while a horse is doing his work in a satisfactory manner he should not be irritated by having his mouth jerked and the whip applied for the driver's amusement4 ,it is a pity all women do not realize that a horse will accomplish1 with less fatigue1 much more work when taken quietly than he will if fretted and tormented by needless urging or restraint4 ,constant nagging affects an animal in the same way as it does a human being2 and though a horse is usually subjected to such treatment through want of thought1 it is none the less exasperating to him4 ,one result of this ordeal is that it prompts him to break into a canter as he becomes restless2 and then he must be brought back to a trot by decreasing the speed and keeping the hands steady4 ,sidenote3 ,stumbling ,a stumbling horse must be kept awake and going at a medium rate of speed4 ,in either a very fast trot or a slow one he is likely to trip1 and unless his driver is prepared for it1 and ready to keep him up1 he will probably fall1 and she may be pulled over the dash-board4 ,a bearing-rein may assist in keeping him on his feet1 but an habitual stumbler can never be considered safe4 ,such a horse must not be driven with loose reins1 as a feeling on his mouth is necessary at all times4 ,sidenote3 ,backing ,when a horse persistently backs1 there are two great dangers3 first1 he may upset the carriage1 unless it cuts under2 and1 secondly1 he may back into something or over an embankment4 ,if the road be level1 a woman must try to keep the horse from backing to one side1 although in case of a steep declivity it may be necessary to pull him sideways1 and risk an overturn rather than a fall over a bank4 ,in all events1 the whip should be vigorously applied1 in the hope of starting the horse forward2 if the woman have a groom with her1 he should go to the horse's head at once and lead him4 ,occasionally1 backing may arise from sore shoulders caused by an ill-fitting collar2 but if there is no such excuse for his action1 and it should become a habit1 the horse is not suitable for any woman to drive4 ,if desirous of making a turn in a narrow lane1 it will often be necessary to back off the road1 between trees or on to a foot-path1 to obtain room4 ,some horses will not back under these circumstances1 nor from a shed where they have been tied4 ,in most instances all that will be required is to get out1 take the horse by his bridle1 and by lightly tapping one foot make him raise it1 at the same time pushing him back by the bit4 ,the other foot should be moved in the same way1 and this repeated until he has gone far enough4 ,after a few steps the woman may resume her seat1 with the probability of the horse backing without further resistance4 ,sidenote3 ,rearing and ,kicking ,if the horse is nervous1 the pull at his mouth may make him back so fast that in his excitement he will rear4 ,in this event the reins should be loosened a moment and the animal quieted1 after which the backing process may be continued4 ,if the rearing comes from temper1 and takes place when he has been going forward1 there should be no weight on his mouth while he seems in danger of falling backward1 but a cut of the whip administered as he comes down may prevent his trying it again4 ,it is important to feel his mouth at this juncture1 as the whip will make him plunge forward1 and the hold on his mouth must be firm enough to keep the traces loose as he lands2 otherwise there would be a sudden strain on them1 and consequently an unpleasant jerk1 which might bring the carriage on to his hocks1 as he stopped to gather himself for another effort1 and1 even if it did not make him kick or run1 he would probably be bruised4 ,a determined kicker needs to have his head kept up1 and for this purpose a bearing-rein will be found of great service4 ,he should be driven with a kicking-strap1 but it must not be too tight1 or it will induce the habit it is intended to cure4 ,he may kick if the crupper is too tight1 so this also should be looked to4 ,sidenote3 ,rein under ,tail ,when a rein gets under the tail of a horse1 under no circumstances should an attempt be made to pull it away4 ,it should be pushed forward1 and the horse spoken to in a reassuring manner4 ,if he does not then release it1 a slight cut of the whip may divert his attention2 he will whisk his tail1 and at this instant the rein must be allowed to fall to one side1 as were it pulled directly up1 it would be likely to be caught again4 ,if these methods do not prove efficacious1 a woman must try to keep the horse straight1 and prevail upon him to walk until some one sees her predicament and comes to her assistance4 ,in some traps she might be able to reach forward and remedy the difficulty1 meanwhile watching for any symptoms of kicking4 ,but whether she does it herself or directs some one else1 she must see that the tail is lifted1 instead of an effort being made to pull the rein away4 ,many mishaps come from this seemingly trivial occurrence1 and a horse frightened by improper treatment is liable to bolt or run4 ,it is always an excellent plan to have a horse trained to stop short at the word whoa6 ,this expression is usually misapplied1 being made to do duty for steady or quiet1 and it will be difficult to teach a horse its true significance unless he is never driven without this end in view1 and the term employed only when it is meant4 ,sidenote3 ,bolting and ,running ,in the event of a horse bolting1 the chances are very great against a woman's checking him4 ,if she can do it at all1 it will be by sawing his mouth1 and giving a succession of sharp jerks1 while endeavoring to control his course4 ,the most dangerous and irrational thing she can do is to jump out of the trap4 ,severe injuries almost invariably attend such a proceeding2 and if it be possible to stay in1 she should do so1 never relinquishing her hold on the reins4 ,if from the swaying of the carriage she seems in danger of being thrown out1 a woman must make sure that her skirts are not caught on anything1 and that her feet are clear of the reins4 ,men sometimes pull a runaway horse into a ditch or up a steep bank1 which stops him2 but a smash or an overturn is inevitable2 and should a woman attempt this1 there is great danger of her being unable to extricate herself from the tangle4 ,she is handicapped by her skirts1 which are more than likely to cause her to be dragged should the horse manage to start off again4 ,besides this1 after a struggle such as she will have had1 a woman will seldom have enough strength left to force a horse from the direction he has chosen4 ,sidenote3 ,crowded ,driveways ,in whatever pranks horses indulge1 the dangers are multiplied and intensified when encountered by a woman who ventures to drive in a crowded park or avenue during the afternoon4 ,women of culture and refinement1 realizing this1 and wishing to avoid making themselves conspicuous on public highways1 are content to be driven at this hour1 reserving the mornings for the pleasure of handling the reins themselves4 ,some women there are who drive better than most coachmen1 and a few of these may desire to display their skill and their well-appointed traps when the spectators are most numerous4 ,they may be competent to make their way through such a maze as one finds on popular carriage roads1 but they do it in defiance of the condemnation they will receive from people of more refined ideas4 ,the majority of women who drive are unable to control their horses1 and they need not flatter themselves that their immunity from accidents is the result of their skill4 ,they owe their safety to the fact that men1 appreciating the uncertainty of their movements1 give them plenty of room1 and keep as far as they can from anything driven by a woman4 ,sidenote3 ,road ,courtesy ,such women would be less objectionable if they were more considerate of others4 ,for example1 they should keep on their own side of the drive1 and1 if they are going slowly1 as much to the right of it as possible1 that those who desire to pass may not have their way blocked4 ,again1 they should remember that some one is behind them1 and that they should not endeavor to turn or stop abruptly without having intimated their intention to those in the rear4 ,another heedless thing they do is1 in passing a leading trap to turn in ahead of it so sharply that a more careful driver is forced to pull up rather than endanger his horses by having the wheels swing against them4 ,women seem to forget now and then that they must always pass to the left of a vehicle in front of them1 and not try to get through a small space on its right4 ,if they would only take a few lessons in driving1 pay attention to the instruction they receive1 and cultivate consideration for others1 their presence on the box might be welcomed more frequently and with greater warmth than it now is4 ,it would be well if equestrians rode with more regard for the convenience of those who are driving4 ,when a bridle-path is provided for them1 there is no reason why they should usurp any of the road intended for carriages4 ,they would feel outraged1 and justly so1 if one vehicle should appear on their road2 yet swarms of them daily use the drive1 occupying much-needed space1 and clattering and darting along1 unmindful of startled horses and the narrow escapes of their own mounts from collisions with many wheels4 ,sidenote3 ,tandems and ,teams ,comparatively few women are so fortunate as to have an opportunity to drive tandem or four-in-hand4 ,if they are so situated that they would be likely to do so frequently1 they should not hesitate to take lessons1 as otherwise they would slowly learn from many dangerous and costly experiences what a trustworthy teacher could have shown them with safety and expedition4 ,however1 it is well to be prepared for all contingencies1 and therefore many women may desire to know something about these branches of driving1 in case they should in some unforeseen manner have an opportunity to essay them4 ,if1 for instance1 she were driving with a friend who offered to let her take the reins1 a woman would not be expected to look to the harnessing and bitting1 but there are a few points she might be glad to know4 ,sidenote3 ,reins ,the reins are held the same in tandem and team-driving4 ,the first finger separates the leaders' reins1 and the second those of the wheelers1 with each near rein above the off one4 ,thus over the first finger will be the near leader1 under it the off leader1 and between this rein and the second finger the near wheeler1 with the off wheeler between the second and third fingers4 ,the right hand must be free to hold the whip and to manipulate the reins4 ,the off-wheel rein will often need attention1 as the third finger is not so strong as the other two used1 and therefore this rein will more readily slip through4 ,in changing a rein it must always be done by pushing it back from in front of the hand1 instead of pulling it through from behind4 ,illustration3 ,,position ,,in ,,tandem ,the correct handling of the whip can be mastered only after much patience and constant practice1 but its proper use is of paramount importance4 ,women will find driving tandem easier than driving four1 because1 although it requires more skill to keep the horses straight1 it does not call for the amount of muscle needed to manage four horses1 the brake1 and whip4 ,sidenote3 ,unruly ,leader ,at first the weight alone of the reins would tire her1 and of course there are more chances of mishaps with four horses than with two4 ,in the latter the leader has no horse at his side to steady him2 but if well trained he will travel straight1 and not attempt to turn around and join the wheeler4 ,should he do this1 and not respond to the reins1 the whip should hit his neck with force sufficient to make him change his mind4 ,as a last resort1 the wheeler must be turned to follow him1 and then they must both be made to proceed in the direction desired by the driver4 ,if the leader1 instead of being exactly in front of the wheeler1 gets too far to the right1 his near rein should be shortened2 but the wheeler must be made to meet him half-way by pulling his off rein at the same time4 ,in the opposite case the off-lead and near-wheel reins must be shortened4 ,sidenote3 ,turning ,to turn a corner1 say to the left1 with a tandem or a four1 the near-lead rein should be looped by taking up several inches1 pushing it back of the forefinger1 and holding it there in this shape with the thumb4 ,the right hand must be placed on both off reins1 to guard against the turn being made too sharply1 and the cart or coach being brought into contact with the corner4 ,to turn to the right1 the reverse tactics are employed1 but it is more difficult to loop the off rein4 ,when the corner has been successfully rounded1 the right hand should be taken away and the left thumb raised1 thus leaving the horses in a position to go straight4 ,in going downhill all the reins should be shortened1 and care taken that the leaders' traces particularly are loose1 or they may pull the wheelers down when these should be holding back the coach4 ,the wheelers should always1 if possible1 start and stop the load4 ,in going uphill the leaders must do their full share1 and on the level each horse must be kept up to his work4 ,an unnecessary nervous fingering of the reins should be avoided1 as1 besides being most unworkmanlike1 it irritates the horses4 ,it is the height of folly for a woman to attempt to drive a tandem or a four-in-hand until she is thoroughly familiar with one horse and a pair4 ,she may understand the theory of it1 but until she has had some practice under proper instruction she should not take the reins1 unless some one is near to assist her1 or she will endanger not only her own safety1 but jeopard that of those who may accompany her4 ,,finis 99 99 99 99 99 ,,blaikie',s ,,how ,,to ,,get ,,strong4 ,how to ,get ,strong1 and ,how to ,stay ,so4 ,by ,,william ,,blaikie4 ,illustrated4 #af mo1 ,cloth1 #a #jj4 ,mr4 ,blaikie has treated his theme in a practical common-sense way that appeals at once to the judgment and the understanding4 ,a complete and healthful system of exercise is given for boys and girls2 instructions are set down for the development of every individual class of muscles1 and there is sound advice for daily exercise for children1 young men and women1 business men and consumptives4 ,there are instructions for home gymnastics1 and an easy routine of practice laid out4--,saturday ,evening ,gazette1 ,boston4 ,every word of it has been tested and confirmed by the author's own experience4 ,it may be read with interest and profit by all4--,christian ,instructor1 ,chicago4 ,a successful performance1 everything in the line of gymnastic exercise receiving copious illustrations by pen and pencil4 ,the author's aim is genuinely philanthropic1 in the right sense of the word1 and his work is a useful contribution to the cause of physical culture4--,christian ,register1 ,boston4 ,published by ,,harper ,,brothers1 ,new ,york4 ,the above work will be sent by mail1 postage prepaid1 to any part of the ,united ,states1 ,canada1 or ,mexico1 on receipt of the price4 ,,blaikie',s ,,sound ,,bodies4 ,sound ,bodies for our ,boys and ,girls4 ,by ,,william ,,blaikie4 ,with ,illustrations4 #af mo1 ,cloth1 #dj cents4 ,a manual of safe and simple exercises for developing the physical system4 ,mr4 ,william ,blaikie's new manual cannot fail to receive a warm welcome from parents and teachers1 and should be introduced as a working text-book into thousands of schools throughout the country4--,boston ,herald4 ,a book which ought to be placed at the elbow of every school-teacher4--,springfield ,union4 ,the directions are so simple and sensible that they appeal to the reason of every parent and teacher4--,philadelphia ,press4 ,the influence of judicious exercise upon mind as well as body cannot be overestimated1 and this will be a safe guide to this end1 requiring no costume nor expensive apparatus4--,presbyterian1 ,philadelphia4 ,published by ,,harper ,,brothers1 ,new ,york4 ,the above work will be sent by mail1 postage prepaid1 to any part of the ,united ,states1 ,canada1 or ,mexico1 on receipt of the price4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber's note3 ,obvious typographical errors were corrected4 ,hyphenation variants were retained as in the original4 ,illustration ,list3 ,hands and ,seat in ,rearing 444 facing ,p4 #ff4 ,the illustration was actually facing ,p4 #fd2 it has been moved to ,p4 #ff4