I20 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



handle uppermost, as a rule : although there are times 

 when to shift the position of the whip, and press the 

 heaviest part against the horse's flank, will be found very- 

 effectual, particularly when negotiating ugly trappy fences, 

 or turning sharp corners at a brisk trot. For example, 

 when, in the latter case, the turn is to the right, the rider's 

 body should be bent slightly to the off side of her mount, 

 and her leg be pressed lightly but firmly against his flank 

 on the near side. This preserves an even balance, and will 

 often save a fast flippant trotter from coming right down. 

 When the turn is to the left, the body should be inclined 

 a little that way, while the whip handle is judiciously 

 pressed against the off side, thus preventing the animal's 

 quarters from swinging too suddenly round. 



I may here take occasion to say that corners ought never 

 to be turned without both hands being put to the bridle, 

 and a support given to both sides of the horse ; if to the 

 right, the leg the strongest — if to the left, the whip. When 

 the pace is very quick, and the turn is a decidedly sharp 

 one, the horse's hind legs will need to be brought under 

 him all the quicker, for which reason the body of the rider 

 must sway well with his motion, while the necessary 

 support is, at the same time, given on either side. 



I shall conclude my observations about the uses of the 

 whip by saying — use it as little as you can to punish, and 

 as much as you can to aid. Above all things, never take it 

 up in anger, nor for a moment forget that the creature on 

 whom the stroke is about to fall is sensitive to its lightest 

 touch, and is fully capable of being ruled without severity. 



