THE lady's horse. 29 



entitled to be placed above it : of these, the silver grey, 

 with black mane and tail, claims the highest place. 

 Brown is rather exceptionable, on account of its dul- 

 ness. Black is not much admired; though, as we 

 think, when of a deep jet, remarkably elegant. Roan, 

 sorrel, dun, piebald, mouse, and even cream colour 

 (however appropriate the latter may be for a state- 

 carriage-horse) are all to be eschewed. 



The height of her horse should be in harmonious 

 proportion with that of the rider. A very young or short 

 lady is in no less false a position, as regards grace, on 

 a lofty steed, than a tall, full-grown woman, on a dimi- 

 nutive poney. For ladies of the general stature, a horse 

 measuring from fifteen to fifteen and a half hands, at 

 the point of the shoulder, is usually considered, as 

 regards height, more desirable than any other. 



In paces, the lady's horse should be perfect ; or, at 

 all events, so far as regards the walk and canter. The 

 former should be fast, bold, firm, and lively, without 

 being unsteady ; and, the latter, light, easy, well-com- 

 bined, and gracefid : so, too, should the hand-gallop ; 

 although, it is true, a lady's horse is rarely put to this 

 pace, unless used for the field. The trot, again, is but 

 little practised : still the' complete lady's horse is ex- 

 pected to be capable of performing it with great pre- 

 cision of step, and but little concussion to the rider : — 

 many ladies regarding it, — however discountenanced by 



