GIRLS ON HORSEBACK 17 



nothing so interferes with tuition as 

 terror. Many of the difficulties of in- 

 structing a little girl will be overcome 

 if her familiarity with the horse she is 

 to ride has given her confidence in him. 

 She should frequently be taken to the 

 stable, and encouraged to give him oats 

 or sugar from her hand, and to make 

 much of him. Meanwhile whoever is 

 with her must watch the animal, and 

 guard against anything which might 

 startle the child. She may be lifted 

 on to his back ; and if he is suitable 

 to carry her, he will stand quietly, thus 

 assuring her of his trustworthiness and 

 gaining her affection. 



Before being trusted on a horse, a 

 beginner should have the theory of 

 its management explained to her; and 

 here is another drawback to infantile 

 equestrianism, as a young mind cannot 

 readily grasp the knowledge. Never- 



2 



