LADY HORSE-TEAINEES. 85 



fewer have succeeded. It is just one of those things 

 that all ladies fond of horses should know, as well 

 as those who are likely to visit India, or the Colo- 

 nies, although it is not exactly a feminine occupation ; 

 crinoline would be sadly in the way — 



" Those little hands were never made 

 To hold a leather strap." 



But it may be useful as an emergency, as it will enable 

 any lady to instruct a friend, or groom, or sailor, or 

 peasant, how to do what she is not able to do herself, 

 and to argue effectively that straps will do more than 

 whips and spurs. 



At the Practice Club of noblemen and gentlemen held 

 at Miss Gilbert's stables, it has been observed that 

 every week some horse more determined than the ave- 

 rage has been too much for the wind, or the patience, 

 of most of the subscribers. One only has never been 



beaten, the Marquess of S , but then he was always in 



condition ; a dab hand at every athletic sport, extremely 

 active, and gifted with a " calmness," as well as a nen^e, 

 which few men of his position enjoy. 



In a word, the average horse may be subdued by the 

 average horseman, and colts usually come within the 

 average ; but a fierce, determined, vicious horse requires a 

 man above the average in temper, courage, and activity ; 

 activity and skill in steering being of more importance 

 than strength. It is seldom necessary to lay a colt 

 down more than twice. 



Perhaps the best way is to begin practising the strap 

 movements with a donkey, or a quiet horse full of grass 

 or water, and so go on from day to day with as much 

 perseverance as if you were practising skating or walk- 

 ing on a tight rope; until you can approach, halter, 



