302 ladies' ridincj. 



be, — cau be held gathered, and the otaer must lie across 

 the hand (fig. 32). When two reins are held in each hand 

 they should be arranged as in fig. 83, but the whip should, 

 usually, be dropped and allowed to hang by its cord from 

 the wrist, as the two reins are quite enough for a lady's 

 hand, and this double hold of both reius is not often neces- 

 sary at a time when the whip is called for. 



The Whip and the Left Heel are valuable aids to a lady 

 in the saddle. By a proper use of them she is enabled to 

 retain a much freer hold upon her reins. Particularly in 

 stopping and turning they are invaluable. Also, in starting^ 

 the pressure of the leg and whip should be applied to 

 bring the horse up to the bit. In making the turn he 

 must be kept well up, and be assisted both by a steady feel- 

 ing of the outward rein, which should only be relaxed 

 enough to admit of an easy inclination of the horse to the 

 side to which he is to turn, and, by a stronger pressure of 

 the outward aid, — the leg or whip,— to keep the haunches 

 from falling too much out. Care must be talcen at all times 

 to make the step steady, and not by a sudden or violent 

 pull upon the reins, which often causes some horses to rear, 

 and injures others. The use of the reins, the heels and the 

 whip might be enlarged upon indefinitely ; but only the 

 nicest care and minute observation can teach the lady the 

 rare art of perfect management. 



Accidents. — Ladies, of course, should never ride horses 

 which arc in any manner vicious. But the best animals 

 are not faultless, nor the most sure-footed always reliable. 

 The lady should therefore be prepared for critical situations. 

 Perhaps the most common fault is shying. If a horse is 

 known to be afraid of any object, his attention may often- 

 timcis be diverted by turning away his head or speaking 

 kindly to him ; also, rather than to oppose him, he may 

 often to much better advantage be humored in his whims, 



