10 INTRODUCTION. 



ject to critical observation and comment. The 

 quiet, simple costume, the easy movements, the 

 absence of ostentatious display, will always pro- 

 claim the refined, well-bred rider. Rudeness in 

 the saddle is as much out of place as in the 

 parlor or salon, and greatly more annoying to 

 spectators, besides being disrespectful and dan- 

 gerous to other riders. Abrupt movements, 

 awkward and rapid paces, frequently cause 

 neighboring horses to become restless, and even 

 to run away. Because a lady loves her horse, 

 and enjoys riding him, it is by no means neces- 

 sary that she should become a Lady Gay Span- 

 ker, indulge in stable talk, make familiars of 

 grooms and stable boys, or follow the hounds in 

 the hunting field. 



There are in this work no especial instruc- 

 tions given for the hunting field, as the author 

 does not consider it a suitable place for a lady 

 rider. She believes that no lady should risk 

 life and limb in leaping high and dangerous 

 obstacles, but that all such daring feats should 

 be left to the other sex or to circus actresses. 

 Nor would any woman who really cared for her 

 horse wish to run the risk of reducing him to 

 the deplorable condition of many horses that 

 follow the hounds. In England, where hunting 

 is the favorite pastime among gentlemen, the 



