RULES FOR LADY RIDERS. 309 



(33.) The secret of secure and graceful riding is a cor- 

 rectly balanced seat in the saddle, one perfectly independent 

 of reins or stirrup, and without exaggerations of any kind, 

 whether the carelessness or indifference of the instinctive 

 rider, or the affected, pedantic stiffness of the antiquated 

 haut ecole. While maintaining a free, easy, yet elegant atti- 

 tude, the rider should present to the spectator such an ap- 

 pearance of security and perfect equilibrium that it will seem 

 as if no conflicting movements of the horse could throw her 

 from the saddle. Carelessness and indifference cause the 

 rider to look indolent and slovenly, while an affected, exag- 

 gerated stiffness and preciseness give her a ridiculous ap- 

 pearance, and destroy the pleasing effect of an otherwise 

 correct seat. 



(34.) Go quickly in the walk, quickly and regularly in 

 the trot, and gently in the gallop. And bear well in mind 

 the following supplication of the horse : 



" In going up hill, trot me not ; 

 In going down hill, gallop me not ; 

 On level ground, spare me not ; 

 In the stable, forget me not." 



All women are capable of enjoying the healthful exercise 

 of horseback riding excepting those who may be suffering 

 from disease. Every lady who has the means, whether 

 young or advanced in years, should learn riding, for its so- 

 ciability, healthfulness, and pleasure, without regard to her 

 bodily conformation. It is folly to deprive one's self of this 

 high enjoyment and captivating exercise, simply because one 

 is no longer young, has only an ordinary figure, or because 

 some persons appear to better advantage in the saddle, and 

 ride with more ease and grace. According to such reason- 

 ing, one might as well cease to exist. If a lady cannot 

 attain perfection, she can strive to come as near to it as pos- 

 sible, and if she secures a correct seat in the saddle, and a 



