ETIQUETTE IN THE SADDLE. 93 



sier than it looks, and when well performed makes the 

 rider appear so agile and graceful, giving such an air of 

 style and savoir-faire to the departure, that it is well 

 worth every lady's while to acquire it. The first requi- 

 site is that the horse should stand still, and for this pur- 

 pose the attendant should have given him some prelimi- 

 nary exercise, as the fresh air and bright light are so 

 exhilarating to a high- strung horse that he cannot at 

 first restrain his impulse to caper about. This prepara- 

 tory airing should be entered upon invariably as calmly 

 as possible, and begun at a walk, for a flurry at starting, 

 and especially the use of the whip, will often disturb a 

 horse's nerves for hours, making him unpleasant if not 

 dangerous to ride. When the horse is brought to the 

 door, let the groom stand directly in front of him, hold- 

 ing the bridle not by the rein, but with both hands by 

 each cheek, just above the bit. If he is a proud and 

 sensitive animal, do not rush up to him excitedly with 

 a slamming of doors and gates, nor allow any one else 

 to do so, but approach with gentle steadiness. Stand a 

 moment and look him over, give your orders quietly, and 

 pat his neck for a moment, speaking pleasantly to him 

 the while, so that he may get accustomed to your voice. 

 Xow standing with your right side a few inches from 

 the saddle, facing the same way as the horse, and with 

 your left shoulder slightly thrown back, place the right 

 hand on the second pommel, holding in it the whip, and 

 the reins drawn just tight enough to give a feeling of 



