3^ JAWING FOR LADIES. 



where they emerge from, or rather join, the trunk. The 

 thorax should be wide ; a narrow one is invariably accom- 

 panied by low withers (a great defect), and by upright 

 shoulders, which is another. As it is, moreover, sacred to 

 the purposes of respiration and circulation, its proper 

 dimensions should be regarded as an all-important point. 



A nice horse, in colour, for a lady to ride is a dark chest- 

 nut or bay. Browns and blacks are generally serviceable 

 also, but greys and roans are objectionable, owing to the 

 hairs coming off upon the habit. About fifteen-two is a 

 good height for a horse which is to carry a rider of average 

 proportions. He should have well-set sloping shoulders — 

 oblique pasterns — clean, shapely legs — firm feet — and long, 

 easy, swinging action, which is vastly better and more 

 comfortable than that chin-knocking motion which lovers 

 of what is showy run after and affect. The lady's horse 

 should carry his head handsomely, being neither a star- 

 gazer nor a borer, and his back should be somewhat longer 

 than might be thought altogether desirable in a horse 

 intended for a man to ride, in order to give ample room for 

 the side-saddle. He should have a moderately high fore- 

 hand, be firm and flexible in all his movements, and be at 

 least 20 lb. above the weight he is meant to carry ; by 

 which I mean that if you are, say, 8^ St., or from that to 9 St., 

 and that your saddle and appurtenances (including your 

 riding gear) weigh 2 st. extra, or a trifle over, you should 

 select for your use an animal well up to 13 st. or there- 

 abouts. To overweight a horse is both cruel and unwise, 

 especially when a lady is the aggressor — which sounds 

 strange, as female equestrians generally ride with tolerably 



