34 HORSEMANSHIP. 



my already recorded opinion that, under no circumstances 

 should a lady ride a horse addicted to any of the besetting 

 sins referred to in this chapter, nor ought she to be seen 

 outside one possessing any fault likely to compromise her 

 safety. Nevertheless, it behoves her to be armed at all 

 points, and prepared to control all sorts of steeds. Should 

 she, unhappily, be called upon to baffle the misbehaviour of 

 some unruly animal, she must, above all things, studiously 

 preserve her calm, collected, presence of mind. The least 

 symptom of nervousness on her part will at once com- 

 municate itself to her opponent, and the response will be 

 more energetic rebellion. On no account must the feel 

 on the m.outh be abandoned to seize hold on the crutch 

 or pommel ; the relaxing of the reins, except in the case of 

 rearing, means certain defeat. Should any vice suddenly 

 develop itself, such as will not yield to gentle treatment, 

 then the task of bringing the offender into subjection must 

 be left to the so-called " rough-rider," or to IMr. Galvayne 

 and his pupils. Certainly the administration of severe 

 punishment or coercion is not the province of the lady. 



CHAPTER VII. 



BITS AND BITTING. 



There is a key to every mouth, provided the rider knows 

 the high art of applying it. What are termed " fine hands " 

 are inborn rarities to be developed only by long and patient 

 practice with all sorts of animals. A perfect hand is what 

 in pianoforte playing the " touch " is in contra-distinction 



