112 HORSEMANSHIP FOE WOMEN. 



versation with one's horse, however, is apt to get to be 

 a bore to one's companions. 



THE PACE. 



This should vary with the nature of the ground, as it 

 is dangerous to the horse, and consequently very bad 

 form, to ride fast on a very rough or hard road. If 

 slippery, a smart trot is safer than a slow trot or walk ; 

 but if walking, by all means let the horse have his 

 head. If a steep place is to be descended, attack it at 

 right angles, and not obliquely, for, when going down 

 straight, a slip is likely to have no worse result than a 

 momentary sitting down on the haunches, whereas, if 

 going diagonally, it would probably bring the horse 

 down flat. The canter, which is peculiarly the lady's 

 pace, is much harder than the trot on the horse's feet 

 and legs, especially on the leading foot and leg, and it 

 should be reserved for comparatively soft ground. The 

 lead with the right foot is easier for a lady, owing to 

 her one-sided seat, than that with the left, and it would 

 be considered awkward or ignorant for her not to start 

 off with the right, although during a long ride it is well 

 to change, so as to bring the strain upon a new set of 

 muscles. 



TURNING. 



Of course in turning you must always lead towards 

 the turn, that is, with the right foot in turning to the 

 right, and w T ith the left in turning to the left. For in- 



