124 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



too hard. Far be it from me to assert that the Field 

 is no place for the fair ; on the contrary, I hold that 

 their presence adds in every respect to its charms. 

 Neither would I protest against their jumping, and 

 relegate them to the bridle-roads or lanes. Nothing 

 of the kind. Let the greatest care be taken in the 

 selection of their horses ; let their saddles and bridles 

 be fitted to such a nicety that sore backs and sore 

 mouths are equally impossible, and let trustworthy ser- 

 vants be told off to attend them during the day. Then, 

 with everything in their favour, over a fair country, 

 fairly fenced, why should they not ride on and take 

 their pleasure ? 



But even if their souls disdain to follow a regular 

 pilot (and I may observe his office requires no little 

 nerve, as they are pretty quick on to a leader if he 

 gets down), I would entreat them not to try " cutting out 

 the work," as it is called, but rather to wait and see one 

 rider, at least, over a leap before they attempt it them- 

 selves. It is frightful to think of a woman landing in 

 a pit, a water-course, or even so deep a ditch as may 

 cause the horse to roll over her when he falls. With 

 her less muscular frame she is more easily injured than 

 a man ; with her finer organisation she cannot sustain 

 injury as well. It turns one sick to think of her dainty 



