12 LADIES ON HOESEBACK. 



generally causes much pain and uneasiness. 

 A plain skirt of brown hoUand, and any sort 

 of dark jacket, will suit your purpose quite 

 well, for you are only going to learn ; not to 

 show off — yet. Your hat — any kind will do 

 — must be securely fastened on, and your hair 

 left flowing, for no matter how well you may 

 fancy you have it fastened, the motion of the 

 horse will shake it and make it feel unsteady, 

 and the very first hairpin that drops out, up 

 will go your hand to replace it, and your reins 

 will be forgotten. As soon as you have put 

 on a pair of strong loose gloves, and taken a 

 little switch in your hand, you are ready to 

 mount. 



The nicest place in which you can learn is 

 a well-tanned riding-school or large green 

 paddock, and the nicest person to teach you 

 is a lady or gentleman friend, who will have 

 the knowledge and the patience to instruct 

 you. Heaven help the learner who is handed 

 over to the tender mercies of John, the coach- 

 man, or Jem, the groom ! Servants are rarely 

 able to ride a yard themselves, and their 

 attempt at teaching is proportionately lame. 



