30 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



covering herself and regaining her upright position without 

 the aid of the reins. The oftener this gymnastic exercise 

 is performed the better. 



At intervals during the lessons she should also, having 

 dropped her bridle, assiduously practise the extension mo- 

 tions performed by recruits in our military-riding schools. 

 \See Appendix.'] The excellent effects of this physical 

 training will soon be appreciated. But, irrespective of the 

 accuracy of seat, suppleness and strength of limb, confi- 

 dence and readiness these athletic exercises beget, they 

 may, when least expected, save the rider's life. Some of 

 those for whose instruction I have the honour to write, may 

 find themselves placed in a critical situation, when the 

 ability to lie back or "duck" may save them from a 

 fractured skull. 



Inclining the body forward is, from the notion that it 

 tends towards security, a fault very general with timid 

 riders.. Nothing, however, in the direction of safety, is 

 further from the fact. Should the horse, after a visit to the 

 farrier and the usual senseless free use of the smith's draw- 

 ing and paring-knife, tread upon a rolling stone and "peck," 

 the lady, leaning forward, is suddenly thrown still further 

 forward, her whole weight is cast upon his shoulders, so he 

 "of the tender foot" comes down and sends his rider flying 

 over his head. A stoop in the figure is wanting in smart- 

 ness, and is unattractive. 



It is no uncommon thing to see ladies sitting on their 

 horses in the form of the letter S, and the effect can hardly 

 be described as charming. This inelegant position, assumed 

 by the lady in the distance, is caused by being placed too 

 much over to the right in the saddle, owing to a too short 

 stirrup. In attempting to preserve the balance, the body 

 from the waist upwards has a strong twisted lean-over to 



