ETIQUETTE IN THE SADDLE. 



117 



take theirs easily. The distance at which he should 

 ride beliind his mistress varies with circumstances — in 

 a crowded street his place being close behind her, while 

 in the Park or in the country he naturally falls farther 

 back, though never beyond easy call. If he is mounted 

 on a good saddle-horse, he should keep in his place, that 

 is, always at the same distance, galloping if necessary; 

 but if riding a carriage-horse, as is often convenient, he 

 should not, unless absolutely necessary, force the ani- 

 mal beyond the fastest trot at which it looks well in 

 harness. He should never canter any horse unless in- 

 structed expressly to do so, but should trot in a busi- 

 ness-like way, rising in his stirrups, or, if necessary, 

 should gallop, sitting straight, with hands low and feet 

 thrust home in the stirrups. In all cases he should look 

 straight forward, without appearing to notice what goes 

 on around him. Nothing looks in worse form than a 

 groom sitting lazil_y back on a cantering horse, and cast- 

 ing glances at the admiring nursery - maids along the 

 way. When summoned to his mistress, he should touch 

 his hat to acknowledge receipt of the command, and 

 should ride quickly up on the off side, where he should 

 listen in a respectful attitude with eyes cast down, then, 

 touching his hat again, depart to carry out her orders. 



