114 RIDING FOR LADIES, 



simplifies itself according as a knowledge of more im- 

 portant things is acquired. At the same time, there is with 

 this, as with everything else, a right and a wrong side to 

 the subject; and in order to avoid the wrong, it will 

 perhaps be as well to adopt the orthodox right method 

 from the very beginning. There is, however, nothing at 

 all wrong in occasionally moving the reins about and 

 changing them from one hand to the other. All good 

 riders do it, and it is vastly better than adopting the stiff, 

 set style which would-be fine riders sometimes affect : 

 namely, placing the hands in one position when setting out, 

 and scarcely ever altering them from it. A good horse- 

 woman will sedulously avoid everything that is stiff or un- 

 graceful, and will move about in her saddle with as much 

 pliant ease as though seated at home in an easy chair. 

 The unsightly rigidity obsen^able about the figures and 

 demeanour of some lady-riders — especially those whose 

 " teaching " has been too finely drawn — is certainly not a 

 thing to be copied or admired. 



Having now discussed the subject of reins, we come 

 to consider the "Voice" as a means of controlhng and 

 managing the horse. 



I have always considered the effect and power of the voice 

 as second only in usefulness to those of the bridle. Horses 

 are intelligent and sensitive beyond what most persons can 

 be induced to think or believe. I know to a certainty that 

 they not only listen to, and are influenced by, every sound 

 that issues from their riders' lips, but absolutely gather his 

 meaning and desires from the various inflexions of his 



