RULES FOR LADY RIDERS. 307 



lady should alwajs positively insist that the stable as well as 

 the horse should be kept perfectly clean and free from ob- 

 noxious exhalations. Attention to cleanliness, and a free use 

 of disinfectants will bring about this highly desirable result. 



(27.) After a ride, the saddle should always be aired, and 

 placed where the sun's rays can fall upon its under surface. 

 After exercise that causes the horse to perspire freely, the 

 saddle should not be removed until he has become cool ; this 

 will jDrevent him from having a sore back, from which he 

 often suffers when this precaution is neglected. 



(28.) When a lady stops in her ride to visit a friend, she 

 should always attend to her horse herself — be sure that he 

 is properly hitched ; that in warm weather he is fastened in 

 a shady place, and that in cold weather he is protected, as 

 far as possible, from the cold, as well as from wind, rain, or 

 snow. It will sometimes happen, especially in the country, 

 that, instead of being hitched, the hoi'se will be allowed to 

 remain free, but within some inclosure, that he may nibble 

 the grass ; in this instance, the saddle should always be re- 

 moved, as otherwise he may roll upon it. A city horse, 

 when ridden into the country, should not be allowed to eat 

 grass, from a mistaken idea that it will be a good treat for 

 him, for, as he is not accustomed to it, it will be very apt to 

 injure him. 



(29.) After a good seat and attitude in the saddle have 

 been obtained, more freedom is allowable ; should the rider 

 have occasion to speak or to look aside, she should never 

 move her shoulders, but only her head, and this momenta- 

 rily, because it is required that a go^od lookout in front be 

 kept up, to discover and avoid obstacles. 



(30.) Delicate persons who desire to derive benefit from 

 horseback riding in the country should select suitable hours 

 in which to pursue this exercise. The intense heat of a 

 summer noon should be avoided, as well as the evening dew, 



