562 A LADY'S SADDLE HORSE. 



children's less are so short that it is hard for them to 

 keep their balance, and upon balance depends so much 

 in the saddle. Seven years is a good age for a child to 

 commence riding. 



It is best for a beginner to commence on a quiet horse, 

 and be contented to go slowly at first. By slowly I mean 

 one should not be ambitious to trot before knowing how 

 to hold the reins, or to canter before knowing how to 

 trot. Another advantage in using a quiet horse the first 

 few rides is that it allows one to gain confidence in one's 

 self. If the rider will only be patient in the beginning she 

 will find it greatly to her advantage in the end. 



A lady's saddle horse. 



It seems a pity that no established type of woman's 

 saddle horse has yet been set by the National Horse Show 

 Association. A recognized type would be of inestimable 

 value to both breeders and exhibitors. Different judges with 

 their own ideas are employed in the different shows, and, to 

 use a slang expression, " we are kept guessing." 



The typical saddle horse, or park hack, for a woman should 

 have a neck long enough to give length of rein, a well bred 

 and well carried head with fine crest. An intelligent eye and 

 small well pointed ears add much to appearance. The length 

 of back should be in proportion to the saddle which is to 

 cover it. The shoulders sloping and withers sufficiently 

 sharp to carry the saddle. Round quarters and barrel with 

 depth of girth, dock placed high to give a good top line, and 

 a set of legs showing bone to support the above. 



The paces should be smooth and well balanced and not 

 show excessive action. The walk free and elastic, without a 



