LADIES' HOKSEMANSHIP 135 



should be passed over without mention in such works ; for 

 surely a brother, father, friend, or, better still, a lover, may 

 desire the knowledge which would enable them to speak, 

 or, if need be, to instruct in these matteivs, " as one having 

 understanding." We are not going to advocate the "first- 

 flight " as an accomplishment, or torn veils and rent skirts, 

 got in charging a "bullfinch," or rising, mermaid-like, 

 bedraggled from the depths of a soft-banked brook, as 

 triumph becoming our British fair. We rate too highly 

 their precious limbs and beauteous faces to desire to see 

 them exposed to the risk of injury. Yet who ca.n assert 

 that painter or poet can have a more beautiful subject 

 for pencil or pen than a fair Englishwoman on a handsome 

 horse, as she passes in the power of her charms, her eyes 

 brightened, her colour heightened by the health and spirit- 

 giving exercise, her hair floating, and her lithe figure 

 swaying and bending in graceful pliancy to every move- 

 ment of the glossy steed she manages with a woman's tact 

 and a woman's pride ? All this may be delightfully enjoy- 

 able in " the ride" in Hyde Park, or on the greensward of 

 the avenue of the "old house at home," or the ten or 

 twelve miles an hour may be enjoyed on the road, through 

 bridle lanes, an occasional hand-gate and grass field, as, 

 with spirits gay, they repair to "the meet" they so 

 radiantly adorn. 



Within the last quarter of a century, the maids, matrons, 

 and widows of England have taken to the saddle in numbers 

 unprecedented in former days, and far be it from us to wish 

 it otherwise. A fine woman on a fine horse is a most 

 graceful combination of beauty and power. Horse exercise 

 is conducive to the health and spirits, and how it enhances 

 the charms of the lovely Amazons, many a captivated youth 

 can avouch with a loving sigh. It is, then, that he may 

 understand the principles of graceful riding by the fairer 

 sex, as well as fur the lovely horsewomen themselves, that 

 we pen a few practical lines on the subject. 



Dress. — And here, upon the very threshold, we feel the 

 danger and delicacy of our task. We have to advise the 

 ladies on that subject most eminently within their pro- 

 vince — dress. We shall not trespass on matters of fashion 

 and taste, but hope they will agree with us that a habit 

 cannot be too plain, if well made, well fitting, and well put 

 on. Observe, we stipidate for light " ladies' cloth," strictly 



