6 INTRODUCTION. 



capabilities of a horse. She has never had a 

 harsh word spoken to her, and has never been 

 punished with the whip, but has, on the con- 

 trary, been trained with the most patient and 

 loving care ; and the result has been a speed 

 so marvelous as to have positively astonished 

 the world, for although naturally high tem- 

 pered, she will strain every nerve to please her 

 kind, loving master, when urged forward by his 

 voice alone. 



Some ladies acquire a dislike for horseback 

 riding, either because they experience discom- 

 fort or uneasiness when in the saddle, or be- 

 cause the movements of their horses cause them 

 considerable fatigue. There may be various 

 reasons for this : the saddle may be too large, 

 or too small, or improperly made ; or the rider's 

 position in the saddle may be incorrect, and as 

 a consequence, the animal cannot be brought 

 to his best paces. Discomfort may occasionally 

 be caused by an improperly made riding-habit. 

 The rider whose waist is confined by tight 

 lacing cannot adapt herself to the motions of 

 her horse, and the graceful pliancy so essential 

 to good riding will, therefore, be lost. The 

 lady who wears tight corsets can never become 

 a thorough rider, nor will the exercise of riding 

 give her either pleasure or health. She may 



