LADIES' HORSEMANSHIP 139 



from the saddle, slightly inclining the bust towards the 

 horse's shoulder. 



By this method the lady will cleverly disengage herself, 

 and descend gently to the ground. 



The following are Mr. Waite's " Maxims " : " Be particu- 

 lar to avoid nervousness and hurry, either in mounting or 

 dismounting. 



Take time, and have everything correctly arranged 

 before starting ; serious accidents have occurred from haste 

 in starting ofl" 



Arrange the habit and length of stirrup, and have the 

 saddle-bands and buckles properly examined before the 

 journey is begun, to prevent having to stop on the road. 



Be careful to keep the hand active, and watch the 

 movements of the horse ; by this means the rider will 

 never be thrown otf her* guard, and will be prepared for 

 every emergency. 



Keep the horse's mouth always in play, so as to keep up 

 its fine feeling, indispensable to his correct guidance. 



Never allow the reins to hang loosely on the horse's 

 neck, crutch, or pommel of the saddle. This oversight 

 frequently causes serious and fatal accidents. 



Always use double reins. Should one become useless, 

 there is still another to rely upon." 



Mr. Waite winds up by justly observing that an elegant 

 and accomplished equestrian becomes an equally graceful 

 pedestrian, from the improved carriage acquired from 

 proficiency in the former accomplishment. 



To become an elegant pedestrian is no mean task, nor 

 easy to accomplish. Yet it is of the utmost importance to a 

 lady to achieve it. How often, in our experience through 

 life, have we met with a lovely face and perfect figure — 

 everything that could constitute the perfection of female 

 beauty, while at rest ; but once in motion, the illusion is 

 dispelled by a bad carriage and shuffling gait, and the per- 

 fect form becomes commonplace. These two detractions to 

 beauty can be entirely eradicated by attention to the following 

 directions, which apply equally to walking and riding: 



Keep the bust and head erect ; the shoulders well thrown 

 back. The motive power to proceed from the hips alone. 



Perseverance in these directions will soon give all that is 

 required for a graceful and healthy carriage. 



Finally. — At all times trust to your reins for security in 



