GIRLS ON HORSEBACK 25 



Now, as the child begins to have con- 

 fidence in herself, is the time to guard 

 against the formation of bad habits, 

 which would later, if uncorrected, be 

 difficult to eradicate. 



If parents will take the trouble to 

 make an impartial criticism of their 

 daughter's riding, they can aid her by- 

 insisting upon her doing as she ought, 

 which is beyond the authority of the 

 riding-master. 



They should see that her body is held 



erect, her shoulders squarely to the front 



and thrown back, head up, chin 



Position 



held back, arms hanging straight 

 to the elbows, hands low and close to- 

 gether, her right knee immovable, as 

 from there she must rise. Her left leg 

 must be held quiet, and the heel away 

 from the horse, the ball of the foot rest- 

 ing on the stirrup ; but she must be kept 

 from placing too much reliance on that 



