292 



EQUESTRIANISM. 



Fig. 360.— Holding the Reins. 



for the rider, it will not only give him discomfort, but will increase 



the difficulty of acquiring a seat. 



Invalids, or those not accustomed' 

 to horseback-riding, should select a 

 horse that is gentle and fearless, easily 

 managed, sure-footed,- and elastic in 

 action. A riding-horse should not be 

 used in harness, as this soon destroys 

 the elasticity and smoothness of action 

 necessary for easy riding. If the horse 

 is at all vicious and unmanageable, 

 he should be subjected to such treat- 

 ment (as explained ' under that head) 

 as will insure his entire docility and 

 easy management. This is particu- 

 larly necessary before attempting to 

 ride him in the street. 



Much of the foregoing instruction 

 will apply to ladies learning to ride 



horseback. The lady should so sit upon the horse that her weight 



will fall perpendicularly to the back of the horse, her face directly 



to the front, her shoulders drawn back, and her elbows held to her 



sides. She will permit her body,' from 



her hips upward, to bend with the 



motions of the horse, in order that 



she may preserve her balance. The 



right knee will hold the upright horn 



close in the bend of the knee. The 



left foot will be thrust into the stirrup 



to the ball of the foot, and the heel 



will, as a rule, be carried down, But 



when the heel is elevated, the upper 



part of the left knee should find sup- 

 port in the side horn, and for that 



end the stirrup-leather should be 



given such a length as will permit 



this. A lady should never be mounted 



on a weak or stumbling horse. 



The reins are to be held in the left hand, as already described, 



and in aline with the elbow. The whip should be carried in the 



right hand, with the point toward the ground. It takes the place of 



the right leg of the man, and the horse should be trained to answer 



Fie. 361.— Ordinary Side-saddle. 



