3^8 The Book of the Hokse. 



for some distance before being allowed to go fast. The only exception is when a frcsli, ex- 

 cited horse — such as a lady ought not to mount under ordinary circumstances— requires a 

 oreliminary trot or hand-gallop to settle him down, and this cannot be done in a town. 



If two or more ladies are about to ride together, as soon as one is placed in the saddle 

 let her move forward out of the way, and stand still, so that her horse may not malce the 

 other horses^N restless while being mounted. Never ride on a side-saddle that is not long 

 enough from the pommel to the cantle. Always settle the length of the stirrup-leather com- 

 fortably before starting. 



Treat your horse as a friend about whose health and comfort you are interested — not like 

 a mere machine. If a horse usually free and gay appears dull, droops his head, or coughs 

 harshly (not the cough grooms call blowing his nose), or if his coat stares, the rider may fairly 

 suspect that he is sickening for an influenza or some other ailment ; return him to the stable, 

 consult some proper person, and do not let the groom give him "a something" — "a ball" or 

 "a draught" — or poison his drinking water with nitre. With horses the "stitch in time" 

 maxim is all important. 



If a horse is found going on one side, with an uncomfortable gait, with an occasional 

 attempt at a cow kick, the chances are that the side-saddle is wringing his back ; if further 

 examination confirms this notion, dismount, and have the saddle removed and re-adjusted. 

 The back of a lady's horse is so liable to be chafed that it should be carefully examined with 

 the hand after every ride, and especially after using a new or strange saddle. Rest is the 

 only sure cure for a really sore back. 



A lady, not being professional, should never enter into a pitched battle with her horse if 

 he suddenly turns restless, and refuses to go down a particular street or to pass some strange 

 object, as she cannot squeeze him between her legs like a man armed with a pair of spurs, 

 and as her sex and position make a contest undignified. At the first s\-mptom of resistance, let 

 her groom or some bystander take hold of the snaffle rein, and lead the horse a few yards. 



If a groom attends on ladies, in order to be of any use in an emergency he must ride a 

 horse twice as fast as those he follows. A groom on a cob following a thoroughbred may be 

 ornamental, but is not useful. 



All ladies who ride in the country should learn to mount without assistance. A lady's 

 horse ought to stand like a rock ; but if at all fidgety put him against a gate or bank, with 

 some one at his head. Then let down the stirrup to an easy height, and mount by taking 

 hold of the upright pommel. If necessary, one rein may be drawn tight round the upright 

 pommel until mounting is completed. When mounted, if the stirrup is fastened on the off-side, 

 as in illustration at page 318, or if White's stirrup leather be used, there will be no difficulty in 

 lengthening or shortening it. In crossing a ford in hot weather, nevct let a horse drink, as 

 he will be apt to lie down and roll ; push him across as fast as possible, not sparing a cut 

 with the whip over the siioulder. 



A horse, however gentle in temperament and pleasant in paces, is not fit for a lady to 

 ride unless he will face military and street music, waving banners and pkuues, a marching 

 regiment, or a society of Odd Fellows, and every queer noisy movement. 'J"he training need- 

 ful will not impair the spirit of the highest-couraged horse. A really nervous horse can ne\er 

 be trained for the work of a lady. 



Speak always when approaching your horse ; pat and caress him when leaving him. 



I. earn I'.ow the saddle and briille ought to be put on. 



