22 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



her specialties, therefore, should be the canter 

 and the gallop, in which she can appear to the 

 greatest advantage. The rack, and the pace of 

 a horse that has easy movements are not at all 

 difficult to learn to ride, and are, consequently, 

 the favorite gaits of poor riders. 



In selecting a horse his temperament must 

 also be considered. A high-spirited, nervous 

 animal, full of vitality, highly satisfactory as he 

 might prove to some, would be only a source 

 of misery to others of less courageous disposi- 

 tions. First lessons in riding should be taken 

 upon a horse of cold temperament and kindly 

 disposition who will resent neither mistakes nor 

 awkwardness. Having learned to ride and to 

 manage a horse properly, no steed can then be 

 too mettlesome for the healthy and active lady 

 pupil, provided he has no vices and possesses 

 the good manners that should always belong 

 to every lady's horse. 



It is a great mistake to believe, as many do, 

 that a weak, slightly built horse is yet capable 

 of carrying a woman. On the contrary, a lady's 

 horse should be the soundest and best that can 

 be procured, and should be able to carry with 

 perfect ease a weight much greater than hers. 

 A slight, weak animal, if ridden much by a 

 woman, will be certain to " get out of condi- 



