14 HAND-BOOK FOR HORSEWOMEN. 



times without gloves. A horse's mouth is often a 

 very delicate instrument, and the vibrations which 

 it gives to the reins are felt much more readily by 

 the bare hand. 



Tailors almost always try to make a habit very 

 tight fitting, especially at the waist ; but a lady's po- 

 sition on horseback is at best an artificial one, and 

 unless she is at ease in her habit she will never look 

 at home on her horse. The constraint caused by a 

 tight collar or arm-hole soon becomes intolerable, 

 and the chances are that a tight waist will give the 

 rider a pain in her side if her horse leaves a walk. 



Whether trousers or breeches are worn, they 

 should fit closely, and no seams should be allowed 

 where they will come between the wearer and the 

 saddle, for a seam, or even a fold, is apt in a short 

 time to mean a blister. Trousers should be kept in 

 place by straps of cloth about two inches wide, which 

 pass under the feet. Gaiters are warm and comfort- 

 able for winter ; but care must be taken to have very 

 flat buttons on the outside of the right leg, as that 

 presses against the flaps of the saddle ; and, for the 

 same reason, when breeches and boots are worn, 

 the buttons which fasten the former above the ankle 

 should be on the inside of the right leg.'"" It is bet- 

 ter to wear laced boots instead of buttoned, with 

 trousers, because the Victoria stirrup, which is now 

 generally used, is liable to press against the buttons 

 and catch them in a way that is uncomfortable, and 

 may be on occasion even dangerous. 



