ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. 117 



FEMALE HORSEMANSHIP. 



The saddlery for the use of the ladies is similar in prin- 

 ciple to that devoted to the gentleman's riding, with the 

 exception that the bits and reins of the bridle are lighter 

 and more ornamental, and the saddle furnished with 

 crutches for side-riding; the reins are narower than 

 those used by gentlemen, bat otherwise the same. The 

 saddle should be carefully fitted to the horse, and there 

 should always be a third crutch, the use of which will 

 hereafter be explained There is an extra leather girth, 

 which keeps the flaps of the saddle in their places. The 

 stirrup may either be like a man's, with a lining of leath- 

 er or velvet, or it may be a slipper, which is safer, and 

 also easier to the foot. The lady's whip is a light affair ; 

 but as her horse ought seldom to require punishment, it 

 is carried more to threaten than to give punishment. A 

 spur may be added for a lady's use ; it is sometimes need- 

 ful for the purpose of giving a stimulus at the right mo- 

 ment. If used, it is buckled on to the boot, and a small 

 opening is made in the habit^ with a string attached to 

 the inside, which is then tied around the ankle, and thus 

 keeps the spur always projecting beyond the folds of the 

 habit. A nose-martingale is generally added for orna- 

 ment ; but no horse which throws his head up is fit for a 

 lady's use. The lady's horse ought to be the most per- 

 fect of goers, instead of being, as it often is, a stupid brute, 

 fit only for a dray. 



Many men think that any horse gifted with a neat out- 

 line will carry a lady; but it is a great mistake ; and if 

 the ladies themselves had the choice of horses, they would 

 soon decide to the contrary. The only thing in their fa- 



