THE SIDE-SADDLE. 291 



well attired and well mounted. Then the companionship of 

 friends is infinitely more sweet under the exhilerating influ- 

 ences of active exercise, fresh air, and keen physical enjoy- 

 ment. What so gay as a party of high-spirited equestrians ? 

 The emulation of riders and horses adds a new element 

 of enjoyment, while the beauty of every fair rider is 

 enhanced not only by the glow of pleasurable excitement, 

 but by the contrasts of color and form which each may 

 present, in her habit and her horse. Companies of gentle- 

 men and ladies, in full hunting suits, bounding in all the 

 excitement of a race over a smooth stretch of road, or bet- 

 ter still, over wide meadows, in eager chase, present one of 

 the most beautiful sights imaginable. Of the healthfulness 

 of this most delightful of accomplishments too much, can- 

 not be said. But certainly its benefits must greatly dimin- 

 ish when it is resorted to, merely to strengthen the body. 

 If a lady be recommended to ride for her health, let her 

 first seek for the delight of riding, for nothing is more tire- 

 some than being heavily jolted in a lady's saddle, or more 

 wearisome than being quietly ambled over the ground by 

 a small, spiritless pony. 



To ensure ease, elegance, and enjoyment in riding, many 

 things are requisite. We enumerate as follows : 



The Sidesaddle. — The following, by Mr. Earey's 

 English editor, is sensible, and to the point : 



"Ladies' saddles ought invariably to be made with what 

 is called the leaping-horn, or crutch, at the left side, (See 

 figs. 34 and 35.) The right-hand pommel has not yet gone 

 out of fashion, but it is of no use, and is injurious to the 

 se\^.urity of a lady's seat, by preventing the right hand from 

 being put down as low as it ought to be with a restive horse, 

 and by encouraging the bad habit of leaning the right hand 

 on it. A flat projection is quite sufficient. This will be 

 quite clear to you, if, when sitting in your chair, 3'ou put a 



