HUNTING. 165 



or shoulder. A good rider will keep the 

 elbows close to the sides, just drawing the 

 line finely between that pinioned look which 

 is so disfiguring, and the detestable flapping, 

 like the wings of an unquiet bird, in which 

 so many riders, both male and female, so 

 frequently indulge. I have seen ladies, who 

 wished to have an appearance of hard riding, 

 leaning forward in the saddle and working their 

 elbows in an unsightly manner, the hands 

 (inlluenced by the elbows) sawing also, and 

 the poor horse, with open mouth and straining 

 jaws, staggering along in distress, fighting his 

 bridle, and presenting altogether a melancholy 

 spectacle. A firm even seat, elbows close, 

 head erect, and strong steady hands held lu:r 

 — these are the characteristics of a good and 

 lady-like rider. In going across country put 

 both hands to your bridle, and keep your 

 horse's head straight and well in hand, but 

 do not attempt to pull him nor interfere with 

 him at his fences, or you will undoubtedly 

 come to grief. If you ride with a bit and 

 bridoon my advice is, ride your horse — even 

 though he be a puller — upon the snaffle, and 



