now TO MOUNT. 21 



lady should learn, in the first instance, to ride without 

 a stirrup, so as, under any circumstances that may arise, 

 to be able to do without this appendage. Those who 

 aspire to honours in the hunting-field certainly should ac- 

 custom themselves to dispense with the stirrup, as by so 

 doing they will acquire a closer and firmer seat ; moreover, 

 its absence teaches the beginner, better than any other 

 method, to ride from balance, which is the easiest and best 

 form of equitation for both horse and rider. Many horse- 

 women are under the impression that it is impossible to rise 

 without the aid of the stirrup, but that such is not the case 

 a course of stirrupless training will soon prove. I do not 

 suggest that riding thus should be made a habit, but only 

 strenuously advocate its practice. 



A very general fault, and an extremely ugly one among 

 lady riders, is the habit of sticking out the right foot in front 

 of the saddle. It is not only unsightly, but loosens the hold, 

 for if the toe be stuck out under the habit like a flying jib- 

 boom, the leg becomes the bowsprit, and it is impossible 

 for a straightened leg to grip the crutch. Bend the knee 

 well, keep the toe slightly down, and this ugly habit is beyond 

 the pale of possibility. This ungraceful posture may be 

 caused by the pommels being placed so near together that 

 there is not sufficient room for the leg to lie and bend easily, 

 but this excuse will not hold good in the case of the 

 straight-seat-safety-side-saddle, for it has only one pommel 

 or crutch and one leaping-head. 



Having got the lady into her saddle, we next attempt so 

 to instruct her that it may be remarked — - 



"The rider sat erect and fair."' — ScoTT, 



