PART SEVENTH. 



LADIES' EQUESTRIANISM. 



The saddlery for the use of the ladies is similar in 

 principle to that devoted to gentlemen's riding, with 

 the exception that the bits and reins of the bridle are 

 lighter and more ornamental, and the saddle furnished 

 with crutches for side-riding; the reins are narrower 

 than those used by gentlemen, but otherwise the same. 

 The saddle should be carefully fitted to the horse, and 

 there should always be a third crutch, the use of which 

 will hereafter be explained. There is an extra leather 

 girth which keeps the flaps of the sadd le in their places. 

 The stirrup may be either like a man's, with a lining of 

 leather or velvet, or it may be a slipper, which is safer, 

 and also easier to the foot. The lady's whip is a light, 

 puny affair, but, as her horse ought seldom to require 

 any punishment, it is carried more to threaten than 

 for actual use. A spur may be added for a lady's 

 use; it is sometimes needful for the purpose of giving 

 a stimulus at the right moment. If used, it is buckled 

 on to the boot, and a small opening is made in the 

 habit, with a string attached to the inside, which is 

 then tied around the ankle, and thus keeps the spur 

 always projecting beyond the folds of the habit. A 

 nose martingale is geneially added for ornament; but 



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