20 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



half, and subsequently increased, according as the pupil 

 gains experience and strength. 



Nothing should be left undone to inspire confidence in 

 the breast of a child-rider. Her mount should be the 

 gentlest, her teacher the kindest, all her appliances (saddle, 

 &c.) new, comfortable, and reliable. Girths that are apt to 

 break, for instance, give a child uncomfortable impressions, 

 — and early ideas or opinions on any subject are certain to 

 influence the entire of the later life. Be it remembered, 

 however, that although everything should be done to make 

 the youthful learner feel at ease, while striving at the same 

 time to impart proficiency, no approach to self-conceit, or 

 desire to " show off," should be for an instant encouraged. 

 Modesty of demeanour is quite as charming out of doors 

 as within. The child who pays attention to her seat, her 

 hands, her horse — in short, to what she is doing — will make 

 a better and more reliable horsewoman (even though she 

 may be awkward at first) than will she who looks about for 

 admiration, while neglecting the principles on which she 

 has been taught. It is like the plodding student and the 

 flippant-tongued. One will answer every question with 

 tolerable smartness, out of the shallow depths of a superficial 

 knowledge, while the other, though missing, may never- 

 theless be engaged in laying up a store of learning, which 

 v/ill in after life stand her in good stead. 



Now, a word specially addressed to children, and I shall 

 close my chapter. Be uniformly kind to animals, especially 

 to the horses that carry you. Let humanity be a portion 

 of your religion. Discipline, properly exercised, is just 



