110 HORSEMANSHIP FOE WOMEN. 



Duke of Wellington's death, in a conversation about 

 riding, the duke said, " When I meet a lady on horse- 

 back I always stop, and if her horse seems troublesome, 

 offer to ride alongside her in the Row till it is quiet. 

 The other day I met a lady on a fresh, violent horse, so 

 I took off my hat and said, 'Shall I ride with you? 

 My horse is perfectly quiet.' She knew me, for she re- 

 plied, ' No, your Grace; I think I can get on very well.' 

 After she was gone, I felt sure it was Jenny Lind." 

 "We all agreed," adds Lord Denman, "that the great 

 singer should have accepted the services of the great 

 duke, whether she wanted them or not." 



It is better not to fight a restive horse unless you 

 have reason to be sure of victory, but rather get some 

 one to lead him past the object or into the road which 

 he may have taken it into his foolish head to object to. 

 If he is in " that state of nervous irritability known as 

 freshness" do not jerk the bit, but keep a steady, pa- 

 tient bearing on it, speaking soothingly to him in a low 

 though steady voice, for his acute hearing will enable 

 him to perceive distinctly tones which are almost or 

 quite inaudible to your companions. Try not to have 

 an anxious expression of countenance, no matter what 

 he may do, but to look serene and smiling, as it will not 

 only be more becoming, but will undoubtedly react upon 

 your own feelings. If he pulls, it is well to take the 

 slack of the right reins in the spare fingers of the left, 

 and vice versa, as this will give a firmer hold, and en- 



