Introduction. 23 



we are told, " is often seen mounted before her ca- 

 valiero ; who, seated behind his fair one, supports 

 her with his arm thrown around her waist." Our 

 illustrative sketch of this custom is taken from a 

 beautiful model,— the work of a native Mexican 

 artist. 



Having, now, offered our fair readers a slight 

 and unpretending historical sketch of female 

 equestrianism, we shall proceed, after a few pre- 

 liminary remarks, to the practical details of the 

 art. 



Its various advantages, inducements, and attrac- 

 tions, as an exercise, have, already, been noticed. 

 Much, however \ as we wish * to interest our fair 

 countrywomen, in its favor, it is proper, on our 

 part, to tell them, frankly, that equestrianism 

 is far from being an intuitive art: — there is no 

 "royal road" to it. To be enjoyed and appreci- 



