RIDING FOR WOMEN 



where, not by soothing (?) words, etc., but by 

 hand manipulation of the mouth. Can you do 

 this ? Try and see, and if not, why do you fail ? 

 Remember your escort, and when he dismounts 

 to make some change, etc., in your equipment, 

 do not have him running after you all over the 

 street while you vainly try to stand still and wait 

 for him. Rehearse this most essential accomp- 

 lishment. Make your horse back properly ; 

 practise opening gates, barways, etc., from his 

 back ; in short, equip yourself in all methods 

 to be a companion to those who ride with you, 

 and not a burden, and neglect no details that 

 will make you independent of any escort or 

 assistance. 



Children, boys and girls alike, should all learn 

 to ride astride, and the day is coming when the 

 ridiculous, unwieldy, and unworkmanlike side- 

 saddle will be as much a curiosity as is that of 

 "Good Queen Bess" in the British Museum. 

 Women of all ages should ride astride ; it is 

 practical, modest, graceful, and safe, although it 

 is not probable that for the average equestrienne 

 the ordinary man's saddle will meet every require- 

 ment of comfort and safety, and it is upon this 

 feeling of assurance that the adoption of the 



207 



