RULES FOR LADY RIDERS. 303 



advance of the others. It will be more courteous for her to 

 follow the lead of her companions, and to consult with them 

 as to the kind and rapidity of gait most agreeable to them. 

 The preceding rules of politeness and propriety will be 

 readily understood and appreciated. A lady under no cir- 

 cumstances will forget her tact and consideration for others. 



(13.) In riding up hill the body should be inclined for- 

 ward, and the bridle-hand be advanced, in order to give the 

 horse space to extend his head and neck, as it is natural for 

 him to do under such circumstances. In case the ascent be 

 very steep, the rider may support herself by holding, with 

 her right hand, to her horse's mane, but never to the off- 

 pommel, because her weight may cause the saddle to slip 

 backward. 



(14.) In riding down hill the body must be inclined more 

 or less backward, in proportion to the steepness of the hill, 

 and as the horse lowers his head upon the commencement of 

 the descent, the rider must advance her bridle-hand just 

 enough barely to feel his mouth. Timid and awkward 

 riders, on descending a hill, are apt to confine the horse's 

 head too much, thus keeping it too high, and preventing him 

 from freely stepping out, as well as from placing his feet 

 firmly upon the ground. By doing this, they are likely to 

 bring about the very catastrophe they are trying to avoid, 

 namely, a stumble and a fall. Never ride at a rapid gait 

 when going down hill. 



(15.) It is always customary to keep to the left when 

 passing by others on horseback or in vehicles, who are go- 

 ing in the same direction as the rider ; and in passing those 

 who are approaching, to keep to the right. But, in the 

 latter instance, should anything be present that might cause 

 the horse to shy, and a declivity, ditch, or other source of 

 danger be on the right, while none exists on the left, it will 

 then be safer for the rider to take the left side. 



