14 THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 



too redundant or too long, as in the latter case it is apt to get 

 trodden on by the horse, and in windy weather blows about, to the 

 great annoyance of the rider. A skirt that reaches about 12in. below 

 the foot is amply long. As to breadth, it should be just large 

 enough to give space to move easily in. A more voluminous gar- 

 ment is unsightly. The skirt, made independent of the jacket, 

 should fasten under it with a broad band. No clothing should be 

 worn under the skirt except riding trousers. Under-skirts of any 

 kind will utterly spoil the appearance of the fair equestrian, and 

 render her ride one of discomfort. 



Riding trousers, the making of which should only be entrusted to 

 people who are well accustomed to it, may be made of cloth or 

 chamois leather, booted with cloth. 



The boots, whether Wellingtons (if they are not out of date), side 

 springs, or lace boots, should be made purposely for riding. Fashion 

 is imperious, and that of the present day dictates a boot with a very 

 high, narrow heel, and a waist which is almost triangular ; both are 

 quite unsuited for riding. The heel of a riding boot should be quite 

 as broad as the foot of the wearer, and should come well forward 

 into the waist, after the manner of a man's himting boot, and the 

 waist itself should be perfectly flat, so as to give a firm level bearing 

 on the stirrup-iron. A sharp, narrow-waisted boot will be found 

 not only impossible to keep in place in the iron, but will hurt the 

 sole of the foot very much. 



Of spurs (very necessary in an advanced state of proficiency, and 

 inadmissible, of course, to a beginner) I shall say something here- 

 after. 



Of gloves, the best kind for riding is a dogskin glove or gauntlet 

 two sizes too large. Six and a-half kid gloves do not admit of suffi- 

 cient freedom in the hand properly to manipulate the reins. 



The pupil should be provided with a straight riding whip which is 

 not too flexible, because with a very supple whip she may inad- 

 vertently touch the horse at the wrong time and upset him. 



Having said thus much as to the equipment of our fair tyro, I 

 leave all observations as to dress fit for the hunting-field, or such 

 promenade riding as that of Rotten Row, for a future paper, and 



