12 



HOESEMANSHIP FOE WOMEN. 



say. For twenty-five dollars a riding-master will turn 

 him over to her as docile and supple as any of them, 

 and, with a little time and trouble, she can do it herself 

 for nothing. 



As for the proficiency in riding requisite, it is only 

 necessary that you should not depend upon the reins for 

 your balance — a common habit, but one destructive of 

 all delicacy of the horse's month. 



As the first half-dozen lessons of this course are to be 

 given on foot, a riding-habit would only be in the way ; 

 so go to your first tete-d-tete with your new scholar in a 

 stout walking-dress, easy in the waist, short of skirt, and 

 of stuff that will bear scouring, for frothy lips will cer- 

 tainly be wiped on it. Let the hat be trim, the gloves 

 strong and old, and the boots heavy with low heels. 



The saddle should, if possible, be of the safe and easy 

 modern pattern, with hunting-horn and low pommel on 

 the right side — but of course any one which does not 

 gall the horse can be made to do. It should have at 

 least two strong girths, and must be so padded with wool 

 as not to touch the backbone. Make sure, before put- 

 ting it on, that there are no tacks loose or likely to be- 

 come so in the lining. 



The bridle should be a double one, with one "snaffle" 

 or jointed bit, and one curb-bit, each having, of course, 

 separate reins and headstalls. By-and-by you can use a 

 single bridle, if you prefer, with whichever bit you think 

 best suited to your hand and your horse's mouth. 



