20 HAND-BOOK FOR HORSEWOMEN. 



after which It will gradually wear away — that is to 

 say, if she continues to ride every day ; but if she 

 stops between her lessons the stiffness will come 

 back after each one. 



If a child has any organic weakness, the teacher 

 should, of course, be told of it, in order that he may 

 allow intervals for rest during the lesson ; and it is 

 probably needless to add that a child should not be 

 allowed to ride during digestion. Here I should like 

 to say a few words to the pupils themselves. 



Never hesitate to ask your teacher to repeat any- 

 thing you are not certain you understand. Teachers 

 often take too much for granted, and in riding all 

 depends on mastering the rudiments. 



Have confidence in your teacher, and do not be 

 disappointed if your progress is not perfectly regular. 

 There are days in which you may seem able to do 

 nothing right, and this is discouraging, and may 

 last for several days at a time ; but, on looking 

 back at the end of a week, or, better still, a month, 

 you will see how much ground you have gained. 



Remember that upon your teacher rests a grave 

 responsibility. Other instructors are only brought 

 into contact with one will, and that one harmless ; 

 while the riding-master has to deal with two : that of 

 the pupil, which is dangerous from inexperience, 

 and that of the horse, which is dangerous from his 

 strength, consequently he is often obliged to speak 

 with energy in order to keep the attention of the 

 horses as well as their riders. To ride well on 



