302 LAMES ON HORSEBACK. 



might rather be heavier than lighter, as I am 

 sure that this must give more relief to the 

 horse's back. In fact, I believe that the sore 

 backs so often produced by ladies' saddles are 

 more frequently caused by the saddle being too 

 light than too heavy. I quite agree with 

 some of your correspondents that the padded 

 stirrup is most dangerous, as it is not easy to 

 get the foot out quickly if anything should 

 happen. 



The principle, as stated by the Mexicans, 

 of striking a horse between the ears is not to 

 bring him down by fright, but to bring him 

 down by force, so as to ^^stun" him. Now, 

 do you think that any of your fair correspon- 

 dents could accomplish this with a light park 

 or hunting-whip ? I may be very bold to 

 offer any suggestions, but the lady's side- 

 saddle of the nineteenth century is very far 

 from being pleasant. Why should not ladies 

 in this age of progression begin to ride on 

 saddles shaped hke a man's, with the same seat 

 a man uses ? It would be much more comfort- 

 able, as even a stout lady could not look 

 much more ungraceful than she does now, 



