298 ladies' riding. 



If ladies prefer, a quilted skirt, not too fall, may be 

 worn. It should be lined with silk or glazed muslin, and 

 will be found no impediment. Long boots are a great com- 

 fort and protection in riding long distances. 



All ladies who desire that riding should be to them a 

 healthful exercise, must take great care that their dress be 

 perfectly easy in every part, particularly over the chest and 

 around the ribs. Let the boots be easy, and their gloves, 

 which should be leather gauntlets, large and soft, and all 

 elastic bands very loose. 



Mounting. — The lady in mounting should, if conven- 

 ient, be assisted by two persons ; one to hold the horse, — 

 standing directly in front of him, and holding by the check 

 pieces of the bridle, above the bit, — and the other to assist 

 her to her seat. Having taken the reins and whip in the 

 right hand, she will stand with her face towards the horse's 

 head, and with her right hand on the left pommel of the 

 saddle. In the left hand she will hold her skirt, in such a 

 manner as to enable her to raise it clear of the gTound. 

 The gentleman will stand, facing her, and opposite to the 

 horse's shoulder, Avith his left hand holding by his mane ; 

 this steadies the horse when the lady springs. The gentle- 

 man will now stoop and take the lady's left foot, which has 

 been raised fifteen inches from the ground, in his right hand, 

 clasping it firmly under the instep. The skirt having been 

 raised to clear the foot, is now dropped, and the lady places 

 her left hand on the gentleman's right shoulder, giving a 

 spring to straighten the left knee. During this spring the 

 gentleman will simply keep his hand- still, supporting the 

 lady's weight, but not raising her until the knee is fairly 

 straightened, when he may lift her to the required height, 

 but without trying to pusli her over on to the saddle. Slie 

 will find her seat more easily without such assistance, which 

 woTild often tend to throw her over the horse, rather than 

 18* 



