96 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



His manners should be perfect : no sign 

 of bolting, or rearing, or other vices ; 

 nor should he be a star-gazer, nor lug 

 on the bit, as a good mouth is very es- 

 sential to her comfort. 



However, if he is green — that is, un- 

 accustomed to his surroundings and to 

 being ridden — he should not be rejected 

 without a fair trial, to ascertain whether 

 his cramped gait, shying, and other such 

 failings are the result of inexperience un- 

 der the saddle, or are established traits. 

 The most desirable points are a light 

 but not over-sensitive mouth, even gait, 

 with swinging (not jerky or shuffling) 

 action, a kind disposition — with which 

 quality considerable friskiness need not 

 condemn him — good manners, and free- 

 dom from tricks and vices. He should 

 be practically sound and of correct con- 

 formation — a more valuable attribute 

 for safety and ease than high action. 



