The Ladys Seat, 39 



necessity of keeping the right position, if we are to 

 maintain proper control over the horse. It is 

 only by being able to balance the body well that 

 control can be kept over the reins, the handling of 

 which is of the very utmost importance in riding. 

 Few, indeed, even among accomplished horse- 

 women, ever learn to handle the bridle reins to 

 perfection ; and the majority do not attain to even 

 moderate skill in this respect. The more or less 

 hard, rigid hand is the rule, and the light, delicate 

 elastic hand the great exception. Only long and 

 constant practice will give one what is called 

 "good hands." Let ladies bear in mind that a 

 high-bred, spirited horse will chafe and fret more 

 under bad handling of the bridle reins than under 

 any other manifestation of bad riding. I have 

 seen some horses driven almost frantic by the 



