128 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



ture never ushered them into the world finished 

 riders, any more than accomplished gramma- 

 rians or Latin scholars, and that although one 

 may possess a natural aptitude for an accom- 

 plishment, application, study, and practice are 

 positively necessary to enable her to attain any 

 degree of perfection in it. Yet the idea un- 

 fortunately prevails very largely in this country 

 that women require very little instruction to 

 become good riders, and the results of this be- 

 lief are apparent in the ninety-five faulty riders 

 already referred to. 



Let us now watch some of the fair Americans 

 whom the first balmy day of spring has tempted 

 out for a horseback ride, and notice the faulty 

 positions in which they have contrived to seat 

 themselves in their saddles. With regard to 

 their beauty, elegance of form, and style of 

 dress, nothing more could be desired ; but, alas ! 

 the same cannot be said of their manner of rid- 

 ing. 



Take Miss X. and Mrs. Y., for examples. 

 These ladies have the reputation of being fine 

 and fearless horsewomen, and certainly do ride 

 with that dash and confidence which long prac- 

 tice in the saddle is sure to give, but we regret 

 to say that we can bestow no further praise 

 upon them. Miss X. has taken a position that 



