FALLING. 171 



foot, even if thrust " home," is the safest and best in which 

 an equestrian can ever ride. I approve (as already stated) 

 of the spring-bar attachment, and think that every lady 

 before setting out to hunt ought to see for herself that 

 the spring is open. I know that this theory is not a 

 popular one among horsewomen, as they think it is apt to 

 entail the loss of a stirrup in a quick run ; but this is an 

 error, for the stirrup-leather will seldom or never come 

 away if properly treated (by which I mean not leant upon) 

 — except in case of strong pressure being brought to bear 

 upon it, as, for instance, in the event of a fall. An accom- 

 plished horsewoman will never ride from the stirrup, but 

 will use it merely as a support for the foot, and will be 

 altogether independent of it, even if entirely taken away. 



With untrained riders it is, of course, different, and to 

 their churning motion in the saddle, and heavy hang upon 

 the stirrup-leather, one half the sore backs and other 

 sufferings to which ladies' horses are liable, are altogether 

 attributable. 



A habit-skirt, if properly constructed, cannot possibly 

 catch upon the pommels when the wearer receives a fall. 

 I have already given suitable instructions concerning the 

 cut of habits, and would here take occasion to say that a 

 marvellously improved plan, introduced by Thomas & Sons, 

 of South Molton Street, has been lately shown me. It 

 consists of cutting the skirt with one seam less than usual, 

 and making it without any hem around the bottom. Of this 

 latter I greatly approve. It has frequently happened that 

 a skirt, when caught on the pommel, has torn down- 



