RIDING OK HOESBBACK. 



95 



fastened on his back by a hair " cincha," and the remainder of the 

 outfit equally unique, presents a striking contrast with a natty, 

 bang-taUed hackney, equipped in Eastern style. But uncouth as the 

 pony and rider may look to Eastern eyes, there are no finer riders in 

 the world than cow-boys. They sit their vicious, half-tamed ponies 

 with easy grace and confidence. There is small need of knee-grip, 

 for they maintain their balance while loping over ground hollow 

 with prairie-dog holes, and can swing over to one side so low as to 

 pick a hat from the ground while going at a gallop. 



LADY EQUESTEIAKISM. 



There is no exercise more healthful, delightful or lady-like than 

 horseback riding. Saddles for 

 ladies' use are now mostly made 

 without the old-fashioned right 

 hand horn, but with a second 

 horn on the left side, called the 

 leaping horn or crutch, as shown 

 in figure 59. The right leg rests 

 on the upper horn, and the left 

 knee is held firmly against the 

 lower one, the left foot being in 

 the stirrup. This enables the 

 fair rider to hold on with a firmer 

 grip than a man can secure with 

 his knees. The stirrup leather 

 must be hung from a safety-bar 

 as in men's saddles. The stirrup 

 has an iron sole, and in most 

 cases a leather slipper covering 

 the toes. For ladies' riding, some 

 more powerful bit is required 

 than a plain snaffle. The best is 

 either a Pelham (figure 55) or the 

 bit and bridoon (figure 56). The 

 latter is preferable in riding a 





Fig. 59. — ^ladies' saddle. 



spirited horse, for they are not only more complete, but in case one 

 bit breaks, another remains. The whip should be rather long and 

 heavy, for it must be used in place of a spur. 



Riding costumes for ladies have been greatly Improved within a 

 few years. The habit comes but little below the feet, the waist fit- 

 ting the figure neatly, and the plain sleeves large enough for ease 

 and freedom. Turkish, trousers, of the same m3,terial as the habit, 



