182 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



strap, and curb chain on the bridle, 

 throw the reins over his head, and take 

 hold of the headstall, when he will with- 

 draw his head. 



She must have his halter ready to 

 put on at once, or he might pull away. 



This will give him a pleasant impres- 

 sion of her, which is an important point 

 gained. 



Should she through some mistake 

 find no one in the stable, and the horse 

 in a heat at the end of her ride, she 

 should not hesitate to scrape him her- 

 self, brush the mud off his legs, put a 

 light blanket on him, give him only a 

 mouthful of water, and put him in his 

 stall with a little hay. If she will rub 

 his ears, and sponge out his mouth, it 

 will be a great relief to him. 



All this should be accomplished in a 

 quiet manner, nothing done to alarm or 

 excite him ; and she may talk to him 



