SADDLING. 83 



head must be a screw one, a thing to which I know many- 

 ladies object on the ground that it gets out of order. It 

 really ought not to do so, — nor does it, except when 

 entrusted altogether to a groom, who keeps unscrewing it 

 every day as if for mere pastime. It should not be 

 touched at all, except when necessary for cleaning pur- 

 poses, or to lubricate it with a little oil, and it will be well 

 then to do it yourself, unless your servant happens to be 

 an exceptionally good and trustworthy one, or that you 

 are too grand in your ideas to put your hand to anything 

 in the shape of work. I hope, however, that I am not 

 writing for any such silly person. You should never be 

 above looking after everything connected with your own 

 riding gear. It will not lessen your dignity one whit : 

 ratlier the contrary — for your servants will then see that 

 you are not a simpleton, and will respect you accordingly. 

 The lady who shudders at a duster, and wonders where 

 puddings grow, is in reality not an atom more to be 

 despised than is the foolish-minded equestrian who thinks 

 it is inelegant to know anything about the conduct or 

 management of her own stable. I like to see a woman 

 able and willing to put her hand to everything that comes 

 in her way, without feeling in the least lowered by it. 

 One of the most perfectly ladylike women whom I have 

 ever met, on one occasion groomed and fed her own 

 hunter, when the stableman who had charge of him was 

 found tipsy, on her return one wintry evening from a long 

 day with the hounds ; and she did it, too, before ever 

 removing her habit. Sense and humanity combined. 



G 2 



