312 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



advantage of a teacher, it was thought advisable not to 

 leave any point in doubt, but as far as possible to render 

 each subject independent of the others, and strongly to im- 

 press many essential points upon the mind of the reader. 



To a majority of my countrywomen, with their natural 

 tact and grace, it was only deemed necessary to point out 

 their errors in riding ; attention once called to them would, 

 it was believed, undoubtedly lead to their prompt correction, 

 and these riders would then cease to be victims of ignorance, 

 constantly upon the verge of danger from incorrect methods 

 of riding, and soon be able to excel in that most desirable 

 and fascinating of all womanly accomplishments, secure and 

 graceful horseback riding. 



This has been the principal object of the author, who 

 would not only have women ride well and elegantly, but 

 with the confidence and enjoyment that true knowledge 

 always imparts. Having spent so many happy hours in the 

 saddle herself, she wishes others to experience a similar 

 happiness, and if a perusal of these unpretending pages will 

 create a zeal among her countrywomen for this delightful 

 and invigorating exercise, and enable them to enjoy it in its 

 highest sense, it will prove a source of much gratification to 

 her, and she will rest satisfied that her efforts have not been 

 in vain. 



