58 LADIES ON HORSEBACK. 



are only a few blades it will be sufficient ta 

 take the jar off his feet. 



If you meet with a hill or high bridge, trot 

 him up and walk him quietly down the other 

 side. If going down a steep dechne, sit well 

 back and leave him his head, at the same 

 time keeping a watchful hand upon the rein 

 for fear he should chance to make a false 

 step, that you may be able to pull him up ; 

 but do not hold him tightly in, as many timid 

 riders are apt to do, thus hobbling his move- 

 ments and preventing him seeing where he is 

 to put his feet. If he has to clamber a steep 

 hill with you, leave him unlimited head-room, 

 for it is a great ease to a horse to be able to 

 stretch his neck, instead of being held tightly 

 in by nervous hands, which is frequently the 

 occasion of his stumbling. 



Should your horse show temper and attempt 

 to back with you, leave him the rein, touch 

 him lightly with your heel, and speak en- 

 couragingly to him; should he persist, your 

 attendant , must look to the matter; but a 

 horse who possesses this dangerous vice should 

 never be ridden by a lady. I have surmised 



