Nov.] EQUESTRIAN EXERCISES. 165 



Like the Mamelukes, they accustom their horses to start with the 

 quickness of the lightning's flash, and to stop as if struck by the bolt. 

 I have seen them ride with the speed of a race-horse, until within 

 six feet of a house, and then stop as suddenly as if the animal had 

 fallen dead on the spot ; the rider still retaining his seat and equilibrium. 

 I have also seen the same feat attempted on the open road, where the 

 animal could not have anticipated the rider's intention. In such case, 

 the horse would throw his feet forward, ploughing the ground with the 

 hinder part of his hoofs, for two or three yards ; and frequently fall on 

 his haunches, in the sitting posture of a dog. 



The ladies, also, are very fond of those equestrian exercises ; and 

 most of them ride extremely well. Those of the higher class ride in 

 the same manner as do our North American ladies ; but their mode 

 of getting upon the saddle would scarcely be tolerated by the latter, 

 I received a lesson on this subject, at the house of my friend General 

 Quintanilla (commander-in-chief of this island and its dependencies), 

 where several ladies were assembled for the purpose of amusing them- 

 selves with an equestrian excursion. I had not then met with an 

 anecdote, exactly similar, as related by Captain Delano, or I should 

 have profited by his experience. When the horses were brought to the 

 door, and the fair equestrians were preparing to vault on their respect- 

 ive saddles, I, with a sailor's gallantry, singled out one of the prettiest 

 and most sprightly of the group, to whom I tendered my assistance. The 

 offer was graciously accepted, with a smile of bewitching sweetness. 



She immediately advanced to a horse that was held by a servant, 

 threw her arms over the saddle, leaning her swelling chest against the 

 animal's side, then half turning her pretty face towards me, she bade me 

 help her. 



" Si, senora," I replied, in as gallant a manner as I could say, — " Yes, 

 madam," and stood waiting for further orders. She still retained her 

 singular position, and again exclaimed, " Ayudeme, usted amigo 

 queridito." — " Help me, my dear sir !" 



The awkwardness of my situation now became painful ; for I could 

 see no part of the lady which my northern ideas of delicacy would 

 allow me to touch. Her hands were beyond my reach, and a husband, 

 or a father, in my situation, might not have been embarrassed. 



A gentleman of the party, perceiving at once the nature of my em- 

 barrassment, and that I was a stranger to the customs of the country, 

 immediately stepped forward to offer the lady that assistance which 

 she was expecting from me. Stooping behind her, he seized one of 

 those delicate little ankles in each hand ; at the same moment she 

 sprang, like a Vestris, in the air, turning a half-pirouette, as she 

 ascended ; the gentleman dexterously crossing his arms to accommo- 

 date her change of position. In this manner, and in much less time 

 than I have occupied in attempting to describe it, her ladyship was 

 seated on the saddle, with the reins in her hand, and ready for the 

 starting signal. 



The chagrin and mortification I felt from being deprived of so pleas- 

 ant an office through ignorance were instantly removed by a consoling 

 smile from the sparkling eyes of the fair equestrian, accompanied with 



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