6 LADIES ON HOBSEBACK. 



and to this there are many objections. The 

 best time to learn to ride is about the age of 

 sixteen. All the delicacy to which the female 

 frame is subject during the period from the 

 thirteenth to the fifteenth year has then 

 passed away, and the form is vigorous and 

 strong, and capable of enduring fatigue. 



I know it to be a generally accepted idea 

 that riding is hke music and Kterature — the 

 earlier it is learnt the better for the learner, 

 and the more certain the proficiency desired 

 to be attained. This is an entirely erroneous 

 opinion, and one which should be at once 

 discarded. I object, as a rule, to children 

 riding. They cannot do so with any safety, 

 unless put upon horses and ponies which are 

 sheep-like in their demeanour; and from 

 being accustomed to such, and to none other, 

 they are nervous and frightened when mounted 

 upon spirited animals which they feel they have 

 not the strength nor the art to manage, and, 

 being unused to the science of controlHng, 

 they suffer themselves to be controlled, and 

 thus extinguish their chance of becoming. 

 accompHslied horsewomen. I know ladies. 



