SYMPATHY 185 



In petting him she should begin by 

 stroking his neck, and gradually work 

 down and backwards with a firm, light 

 touch, until he does not resent being 

 handled. He must be taught to let her 

 lean on any part of him, and not to fear 

 her skirts. This is often of value in 

 case a woman is thrown and her habit 

 catches on the saddle; for if the horse 

 were accustomed to her weight and 

 skirt being against him, he would not 

 become frightened. Knowing her voice, 

 he might be quieted by it, and had he 

 learned the important lesson of stop- 

 ping at the word " whoa," she might 

 escape being dragged. 



If in the course of a ride a woman 

 dismounts at a house or stable, she 



should always be sure that a 

 On the Road 



light blanket is immediately 



thrown over her horse. She should not 

 start for a ride until some time after her 



