48 now TO RIDE. 



tendency to turn outward from the ankle, while that of the left turns down, 

 and shows the sole of your boot to those in the rear of 3'ou. 



Avoid, above all things, sitting too much to the left : it will not only 

 induce you to lean too hard upon the stirrup, — a thing which 3'ou ought 

 not to do at all, — but will be pretty certain to give your horse a tender 

 back from the very beginning. 



Never, on any account, grip the pommels, or clutch at the mane, no 

 matter how frightened yon may be. A little start will not upset you, nor 

 will a sudden playful movement have the power to send you off, providing 

 that you are sitting " square," with your right leg well pressed over the 

 up-pommel, and your left against the leaping-head, while your whole atten- 

 tion is given to your seat, and to nothing else whatever. 



This is the true secret of learning to ride from balance; and once it is 

 yours, nothing can unseat you, so long as your horse remains upon his legs. 



To rise in the saddle, you must keep the left heel well down, and move 

 the leg as little as possible. To sway it like a pendulum will not help you 

 one bit. 



Keep your hands perfectly stead}' , your arms to your sides, your left 

 foot sliglitly pressing the stirrup as the horse throws out his near fore leg, 

 while you lift yourself very slightly at the precise instant that his other leg 

 is advanced. 



It will take you a long v\^hile to accomidish this. Over and over again, 

 you will sigh with disappointment, and say involuntarily, " I cannot do it." 

 But you can, and will in time, if you will only persevere. Few things worth 

 learning can be acquired in a hurry. A woman with plenty of courage and 

 go about her will learn how to '' stick on " in an incredibly short space of 

 time. 



Horses are controlled by the reins, the voice, the legs, and a lady rider 

 must make her whip-handle serve her for the management and guidance of 

 her horse on the off side, where a man has the advantage of having his right 

 leg to assist him in the office. For example, in turning a corner to the 

 right, the body should be bent slightly to the off side, and the leg be pressed 

 lightly but firmly on the left side. When the turn is to the left, the body 

 should be inclined that way, while the whip-handle is judiciously pressed 

 against the off side : this preserves an even balance, and prevents the 

 animal's quarters from coming too suddenly round. 



