98 



HORSEMANSHIP FOE WOMEN. 



the reins in the left hand, or in both hands, as you pre- 

 fer, and start the horse by a touch with the heel. 



It is, of course, the correct thing to mount from the 

 ground, if possible, but here again common-sense comes 

 so decidedly to the front that it is not too much to say 

 that the sole indispensable requirement of an enlighten- 

 ed etiquette is good-nature. Certain it is that the eye 

 masculine will follow with pleasure, and perhaps with 

 some emotion, the movements of the young girl who 

 comes out bright and fresh, gives her horse a pat or two, 

 with a lump of sugar, as she glances him quickly over, 

 looks kindly at her stable-boy, and then skips gayly into 

 the saddle from a chair brought out by a maid, while 

 the same eye will rest quite unmoved, except by a spirit 

 of criticism, on the self-conscious and selfish damsel, 

 though she be put on in the most approved manner by 

 the smartest groom who ever wore top-boots. Mount, 

 then, from the ground, if you have some one to put you 

 on and some one to hold your horse; or, if the horse 

 will stand without holding, cautioning your escort — if 

 you are not sure of his expertuess in such services — to 

 be sure to raise your foot straight up, and to give, you 

 warning by counting one, two, so that you may be cer- 

 tain to have the leg straightened before he begins to 

 lift, as otherwise the result may be the reverse of grace- 

 ful. When in the saddle, rise in your stirrup, as already 

 suggested, and smooth down your dress, meantime thank- 

 ing your escort and telling him how well he did it. This 



