86 Horse and Hound. 



While it is not an easy thing for a woman to 

 open and close gates, it is an accomplishment they 

 should possess, and can only be acquired by con- 

 stant practice, of both horse and rider. 



Every woman who rides anywhere, except 

 possibly in a riding-school, should have a thor- 

 oughly practical knowledge of bridling, saddling, 

 and of the adjustment of bits and curbs, and yet 

 it is astonishing how few men riders possess this 

 knowledge. Too much is trusted to grooms. They, 

 like all human beings, are not infallible; in fact, 

 they are frequently careless and often criminally 

 negligent. Always bear in mind that a run across 

 country is an altogether different proposition 

 from a ride through the parks or city ; in fact, at 

 any and all times, it is a serious matter as far as 

 life and limb are concerned. 



A woman's hunting side-saddle should be per- 

 fectly plain, free of ornamentation, and with flat 

 seat, no third pommel on the right side, and 

 should be cut away above the withers; unless the 

 horse's conformation demands it, there should be 

 but little padding, the saddle fitting close to the 

 horse. 



The stirrup leathers should come through 

 opening in flap and not from between the seat and 

 flap at their juncture. 



The cantle should extend about two inches 

 beyond plumb line of spine, be flat and not turned 

 or curved up. 



