14 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



this desirable period, it is their duty to 

 see that the child has every advantage 

 that can facilitate her learning, and to 

 assure her such safety as is within their 

 power. 



A common theory is that any old 

 screw, if only quiet, will do for a be- 

 The Beginner's ginner. Nothing could be 



Horse more untrue. The horse 

 for a novice should have a short but 

 square and elastic trot, a good mouth, 

 even disposition, and be well-mannered; 

 otherwise the rider's progress will be 

 greatly impeded. Even if the child is 

 very young, I think it is a mistake to 

 put her on a small pony for her first les- 

 sons, as its gaits are so often uneven, 

 interfering with all attempts at regu- 

 lar rising to the trot. 



Ponies are also more liable to be 

 tricky than horses, and, from the ra- 

 pidity of their movements, apt to un- 



