RIDING FOR LADIES. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



What I have said on the excellence of horse-exercise for 

 boys and men,, applies equally to girls and women, if, 

 indeed, it does not recommend itself more especially in the 

 case of the latter. For the most part the pursuits of women 

 are so quiet and sedentary that the body is rarely called 

 into that complete activity of all the muscles which is 

 essential to their perfect development, and which produces 

 the strength and freedom of movement so indispensable to 

 perfect grace of carriage. 



The woman who has been early accustomed to horse- 

 exercise gains a courage and nerve which it would be 

 difficult to acquire in a more pleasant and healthful manner. 

 She also gains morally in learning to feel a sympathy with 

 the noble animal to whom she is indebted for so much 

 enjoyment, and whose strength and endurance are too often 

 cruelly abused by man. Numerous instances have occurred 

 in my experience of the singular influence obtained by 

 ladies over their horses by simple kindness, and I am 

 tempted to introduce here an account of what gentle 

 treatment can effect with the Arab. The lady who told the 

 tale did not lay claim to being a first-rate horsewoman. Her 

 veracity was undoubted, for her whole life was that of a 



