INTRODUCTION. 15 



Woven merino under- clothing will be found more 

 comfortable than linen, as that is apt to get into folds 

 and wrinkles, and ladies may also find it convenient 

 to have their collars and cuffs attached to a sort 

 of shirt, as that will remove the necessity for pins 

 and elastics, which are always likely to get out of 

 place. 



Although her single spur is at times a most valu- 

 able adjunct to a lady, it should never be worn by 

 beginners, nor until its use has been thoroughly 

 taught in the course of study. 



It is with regret that I see the riding-whip be- 

 coming superseded by the handle of the English 

 hunting-crop, as this is neither rational nor practical, 

 being too short and light to replace the right leg 

 advantageously or to give efficient punishment if it 

 is needed. A good whip, flexible, without being 

 limp, rather long than short, not too heavy, but well 

 balanced, is best, especially in the riding-school. 



I would strongly recommend to parents that, 

 when a daughter begins to ride, it should be on her 

 own saddle, made on her measure, or at least amply 

 large for her, as riding on a short saddle leads to a 

 cramped and ungraceful seat. The correct size 

 should allow the space of three fingers between the 

 end of the saddle and the base of the spine, when 

 the right knee is round the second pommel. Some 

 teachers recommend that the saddles of young pu- 

 pils should be covered with buckskin, and this is 

 often very useful ; but when a firm and well-bal- 



