152 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



A rider not accustomed to jumping 

 will probably lose her seat if the horse 

 hits a fence with much force ; as she 

 feels herself going she should try to 

 grasp the animal's neck, and not at- 

 tempt to keep on by the aid of the 

 reins, for by so doing she might throw 

 him. Even if she has gone farther 

 than the saddle, if she can fling her 

 weight, above the waist, to the off side 

 of the horse's neck, she will balance 

 there for a moment, and that will give 

 her time to grasp the saddle and pull 

 herself back. Should she find herself 

 beyond that, then as she slips off she 

 can keep her head from the ground by 

 seizing hold of the breast-plate with 

 one hand, but without letting go of the 

 reins. 



These must always be retained, as 

 their possession renders it impossible 

 for the horse to reach her with his 



