THE LADY'S DRESS ON HORSEBACK. 47 



combination, or knickerbocker garment, should ever have 

 received the notice of juvenile riders, inasmuch as it leaves 

 the leg, from the knee down, entirely uncovered, save by 

 the stocking, except when long boots are worn ; and we all 

 know that the limbs of a learner are far more tender and 

 liable to abrasion than are those which have become 

 saddle-hardened and inured to rubs. 



Boots should be well-fitting, broad-soled, and made 

 without buttons, bows, or anything that could possibly 

 catch in the stirrup, or require disentanglement when 

 about to dismount. High heels should 7iever be worn. 



Gloves are of little consequence, provided that they are 

 soft and large. Of the two I like to see beginners ride 

 without them, except when the weather is cold. A good 

 strong woollen or cloth pair will then be found preferable 

 to any kind of leather. 



A whip you will not require, therefore I need not speak 

 of it ; neither will you have any need of a spur. 



Having thus disposed of your requirements as a learner, 

 we come to consider your more advanced costume, and I 

 shall find need to speak of every requisite for park, road, 

 and country riding — reserving the hunting outfit for the last. 



If you are a moderate rider, three hats will be sufficient 

 for you ; a silk one, which I prefer low-crowned ; a jerry, 

 or melon-shaped ; and a soft felt. These should be all of 

 the finest quality ; in fact, I may here take occasion to 

 warn you against cheap or indifferent articles of riding 

 apparel ; they are, in all instances, by far the dearest in the 



