CHAPTER IV 

 THE WOMAN RIDER 



FOR the many women nowadays who ride across 

 saddle, all principles and methods are precisely the 

 same as for men. This discussion, therefore, con- 

 cerns only those who use the side-saddle. 



A horse to be ridden by a woman should accord 

 completely in color, conformation, temper, regu- 

 larity of gaits, and safety, with the age, build, 

 temperament, social position, and equestrian skill 

 of the rider. It must, at the very least, be well 

 broken, trained to the side-saddle, and wonted to 

 every object commonly met in city or country. It 

 should, in addition, possess two special qualities. 

 The first is that it should go forward freely, 

 without needing continually to be urged, and yet, 

 at the same time, be restrained and directed 

 without too much exertion on the rider's part. 

 The second is that it should be absolutely sure- 

 footed at all three gaits. A horse with a long, free, 

 easy walk is preferable. One with any tendency to 

 rear is quite out of the question. 



It is by the correct simplicity of her dress, the 

 firmness of hat and hair, that the horsewoman will 

 make possible both her comfort and that elegance 

 which, for the woman rider, takes, -the place of 

 beauty. 



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