214 LADIES ON HORSEBACK. 



by Mr. Stnrgess) I had no way of getting out 

 except by the passage and kitchen of the 

 farm-house, as the gates of the yard were 

 locked, and the owner of the place — who was 

 away at the neighbouring town — had the key 

 in his pocket. 



Eques. — The reason why ladies ride *' all 

 sorts of horses " is that comparatively few 

 keep horses of their own, and those who are 

 without them and are fond of riding, jump 

 eagerly at the offer of a friend's mount, 

 whether it be suitable or otherwise. A nice 

 horse for a lady may be thus described : 

 Height about 15-3 ; Colour dark bay or brown, 

 well-set sloping shoulders, good back, arched 

 loins, firm and graceful neck, small head and 

 ears, shapely clean-cut legs, and good firm 

 feet. A horse of this description will be 

 well up to 13 or 14 st. For a heavy weight 

 an animal should be selected with a short 

 wide back, powerful quarters, big healthy 

 hocks, and stoutly-built fore-legs. The 

 average weight of ladies is about 9st. Summer 

 costume and riding gear would weigh about 

 equally, but velvet or sealskin would out- 



