148 THE ART OF TAMING HOESES. 



moment when he seemed prepared to give in and be 

 drowned. In leading a horse, always pass the reins 

 through the ring of the snaffle, so that if he pulls he is 

 held by the mouth, not by the top of his head. 



The riding costume of a gentleman should be suit- 

 able without being groomish. It is a fact that does not 

 seem universally known, that a man does not ride any 

 better for dressing like a groom. 



It has lately been the fashion to discard straps. This 

 is all very well if the horse and the rider can keep the 

 trousers down, which can only be done by keeping the 

 legs away from the horse's sides ; but when the trousers 

 rise to the top of the boot, and the stocking or bare leg 

 appears, the sooner straps or knee-breeches are adopted 

 the better. 



For hunting, nothing will do but boots and breeches, 

 unless you condescend to gaiters — for trousers wet, 

 draggled and torn, are uncomfortable and expensive 

 wear. Leathers are pleasant, except in wet weather, 

 and economical wear if you have a man who can clean 

 them ; but if they have to go weeldy to the breeches- 

 maker they become expensive, and are not to be had 

 when wanted ; besides, wet leather breeches are trouble- 

 some things to travel with. Wiiite cord breeches have 

 one great convenience ; they wash well, although not 

 so elastic, warm, and comfortable as woollen cords. It 

 is essential for comfort that hunting-breeches should be 

 built by a tailor who knows that . particular branch of 

 business, and tried on sitting down if not on horseback, 

 for half your comfort depends on their fit. ]\Iany 

 Schneiders who are first-rate at ordinary garments, have 

 no idea of riding clothes. Poole, of Saville Row, makes 

 hunting-dress a special study, and supplies more hunt- 

 ing-men and masters of hounds than any tailor in Lon- 



