THE LADY'S HOESE. 31 



the less with the rein the better. Sit back, bend the 

 right foot back and the left knee forward ; if it is a deep 

 drop, a rein in each hand will steady you and the horse. 

 (Fig. 9.) Don't let other ladies ride your hunter. Their 

 ways can't be quite your ways, and next time you ride, your 

 nag may not understand you as well as usual. He won't 

 confuse you so much with a man, so your papa, soupirant, 

 brother, or husband, if equal to the occasion, may have a 

 mount now and again, and will do more good than harm. 

 A hack ought never to be fresh, and may be exercised 

 ad lib. by a trustworthy groom or friend. Less neck 

 depends on his talents, and there is no greater nuisance 

 than a hack which is too fresh. Your hunter is presumed 

 to be a perfect timber jumper. Nevertheless, don't jump 

 it when you can help doing so, and never when your 

 horse is at all done. A fall at timber is mostly a 

 crumpler. Water you are less likely to be hurt at, but 

 getting in is not pleasant, nor is getting out becoming. 

 When the brush is presented to you, say " Thank you ! " 

 but don't take it yourself. Make your groom or escort 

 do that, and stand no such folly as fixing it in your bridle. 

 Horses cannot bear the smell of blood, and are very apt 

 to begin plunging when a " mask " or brush is stuck on 

 them, unless they are used to it. The second whip to be 

 sure, carries the fox's head; but his horse is used to it 

 for one thing, and, for another, the kick is usually out of 

 him prior to the death of the fox. Likewise, remember 

 that though your horse does not usually kick hounds, he 

 may do so, excited by the aforementioned bouquet, when 

 they are breaking up their fox, or when they have just 

 done so. Always drive to the meet when you can, and 

 home again. When one is tired nothing is enjoyable. 

 Never keep your escort waiting in the morning, unless 



