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diff --git a/40684.txt b/40684.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f5410bb..0000000 --- a/40684.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8063 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The American Horsewoman, by Elizabeth Karr - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The American Horsewoman - -Author: Elizabeth Karr - -Release Date: September 6, 2012 [EBook #40684] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN *** - - - - -Produced by Julia Miller, Jennifer Linklater and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - THE - AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN - - BY - MRS. ELIZABETH KARR - - "Gold that buys health can never be ill spent, - Nor hours laid out in harmless merriment." - J. WEBSTER - - [Illustration] - - BOSTON - HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY - New York: 11 East Seventeenth Street - The Riverside Press, Cambridge - 1884 - - - Copyright, 1884, - BY ELIZABETH KARR. - - _All rights reserved._ - - _The Riverside Press, Cambridge_: - Electrotyped and Printed by H. O. Houghton & Co. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -In presenting this volume to the women of America, the author would -remark that, at least as far as she is aware, it is the first one, -exclusively devoted to the instruction of lady riders, that has ever -been written by one of their own countrywomen. In its preparation, no -pretension is made to the style of a practiced author, the writer freely -acknowledging it to be her first venture in the (to her) hitherto -unexplored regions of authorship; she has simply undertaken,--being -guided and aided by her own experience in horseback riding,--to write, -in plain and comprehensive language, and in as concise a manner as is -compatible with a clear understanding of her subject, all that she deems -it essential for a horsewoman to know. This she has endeavored to do -without any affectation or effort to acquire reputation as an author, -and wholly for the purpose of benefiting those of her own sex who wish -to learn not only to ride, but to ride well. She has also been induced -to prepare the work by the urgent solicitations of many lady friends, -who, desirous of having thorough information on horseback riding, were -unable to find in any single work those instructions which they needed. - -Many valuable works relating to the subject could be had, but none -especially for ladies. True, in many of these works prepared for -equestrians a few pages of remarks or advice to horsewomen could be -found, but so scant and limited were they that but little useful and -practical information could be gleaned from them. The writers of these -works never even dreamed of treating many very important points highly -essential to the horsewoman; and, indeed, it could hardly be expected -that they would, as it is almost impossible for any horseman to know, -much less to comprehend, these points. The position of a man in the -saddle is natural and easy, while that of a woman is artificial, -one-sided, and less readily acquired; that which he can accomplish with -facility is for her impossible or extremely difficult, as her position -lessens her command over the horse, and obliges her to depend almost -entirely upon her skill and address for the means of controlling him. - -If a gentleman will place himself upon the side-saddle and for a short -time ride the several gaits of his horse, he will have many points -presented which he had not anticipated, and which may puzzle him; that -which appeared simple and easy when in his natural position will become -difficult of performance when he assumes the role of a horsewoman. A -trial of this kind will demonstrate to him that the rules applicable to -the one will not invariably be adapted to the other. The reader need not -be surprised, therefore, if in the perusal of this volume she discovers -in certain instances instructions laid down which differ from those met -with in the popular works upon this subject by male authors. - -Another inducement to prepare this volume existed in the fact that the -ladies throughout the country, and especially in our large cities and -towns, are apparently awakening to an appreciation of the importance of -out-door amusement and exercise in securing and prolonging health, -strength, beauty, and symmetry of form, and that horseback riding is -rapidly becoming the favorite form of such exercise. Instructions -relating to riding have become, therefore, imperative, in order to -supply a need long felt by those horsewomen who, when in the saddle, are -desirous of acquitting themselves with credit, but who have heretofore -been unable to gain that information which would enable them to ride -with ease and grace, and to manage their steeds with dexterity and -confidence. The author--who has had several years' experience in -horseback riding with the old-fashioned, two-pommeled saddle, and, in -later years, with the English saddle, besides having had the benefit of -the best continental teaching--believes she will be accused of neither -vanity nor egotism when she states that within the pages of this work -instructions will be found amply sufficient to enable any lady who -attends to them to ride with artistic correctness. - -Great care has been taken to enter upon and elucidate all those minute -but important details which are so essential, but which, because they -are so simple, are usually passed over without notice or explanation. -Especial attention has also been given to the errors of inexperienced -and uneducated riders, as well as to the mistakes into which beginners -are apt to fall from incorrect modes of teaching, or from no instruction -at all; these errors have been carefully pointed out, and the methods -for correcting them explained. A constant effort has been made to have -these practical hints and valuable explanations as lucid as possible, -that they may readily be comprehended and put into practical use by the -reader. - -From the fact that considerable gossip, including some truth, as to -illiteracy, rudeness, offensive familiarity, and scandal of various -kinds has in past years been associated with some of the riding-schools -established in our cities, many ladies entertain a decided antipathy to -all riding-schools; to these ladies, as well as to those who are living -in places where no riding-schools exist, the author feels confident that -this work will prove of great practical utility. Yet she must remark -that, in her opinion, it is neither just nor right to ostracize -indiscriminately all such schools, simply because some of them have -proven blameworthy; whenever a riding-school of good standing is -established and is conducted by a well-known, competent, and gentlemanly -teacher, with one or more skilled lady assistants, she would advise the -ladies of the neighborhood to avail themselves of such opportunity to -become sooner thorough and efficient horsewomen by pursuing the -instructions given in this work under such qualified teachers. - - ELIZABETH KARR. - - NORTH BEND, OHIO. - - - - -A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS. - - -INTRODUCTION. - PAGE - - Utility, health, and enjoyment, in horseback riding.--Affection - of the horse for a kind mistress.--Incorrect views entertained - by ladies relative to horses and horseback riding.--Tight - lacing incompatible with correct riding.--Advantages of - good riding-schools.--Instinct not a sufficient - guide.--Compatibility of refinement and horseback - riding.--Importance of out-of-door exercise. 1 - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE HORSE. - - Origin and countries of the horse.--Earliest Scriptural mention - of the horse.--Caligula's horse.--Horseback riding in the - Middle Ages.--The Arab horse and his descendants.--Selection - of a horse, and points to be observed.--Suitable gaits for the - several conformations of riders.--The fast or running - walk.--Various kinds of trotting.--The jog trot - undesirable.--Temperament of the horse to be taken into - consideration.--Thorough-bred horses.--Low-bred - horses.--Traits of thorough and low bred horses.--Purchasing a - horse; when to pay for the purchase.--Kindness to the horse - instead of brutality.--Advantages of kind treatment of the - horse.--Horses properly trained from early colt-life, the - best.--Certain requirements in training a horse for a - lady.--Ladies should visit their horses in the stable.--Ladies - of refinement, occupying the highest positions in the - civilized and fashionable world, personally attend to their - horses.--Nature of the horse.--Unreliable grooms; their - vicious course with horses intrusted to their care.--Care - required in riding livery-stable horses. 13 - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE RIDING HABIT. - - Riding habit should not be gaudy.--Instructions concerning the - material for riding habit, and how this should be made.--The - waist.--The basque or jacket.--Length of riding habit.--White - material not to be worn on horseback.--Riding shirt.--Riding - drawers.--Riding boots.--Riding corset.--Riding coiffure or - head-dress.--Riding hat.--Minutiae to be attended to in the - riding costume.--How to hold the riding skirt while - standing.--Riding whip. 52 - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE. - - Saddle of ancient times, and the manner of - riding.--Planchette.--Catherine de Medici deviser of the - two-pommeled saddle.--M. Pellier, Sr., inventor of the third - pommel.--English saddle.--Advantages of the third - pommel.--Saddle should, invariably, be made and fitted to the - horse.--Seat of saddle.--Kinds of saddles for different - ladies.--Proper application of the third pommel.--Saddle - recommended and used by the author.--Points to be attended to - in procuring a saddle.--Girths.--New mode of tightening - girths.--Stirrups and stirrup-leathers.--Safety - stirrups.--How to attach the stirrup-leather.--The bridle and - reins.--Martingales.--Snaffle-bits.--Curb-bits.--Curb-chain.--Tricks - of horses with bits, and their remedy.--Adjustment of the - bit and head-stall.--Care of the bit.--How to correctly place - the saddle on the horse.--Remarks concerning girthing the - horse.--Great advantages derived from knowing how to saddle - and bridle one's horse. 67 - - -CHAPTER IV. - -MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. - - Timidity in presence of a horse should be overcome.--First - attempts at mounting.--Mounting from a horse-block.--Mounting - from the ground.--Mounting with assistance from a gentleman; - how this is effected.--What the gentleman must do.--A restive - horse while mounting; how to be managed.--Attractiveness of - correct mounting.--To dismount with assistance from a - gentleman; what the gentleman must do.--Attentions to the - skirt both while mounting and dismounting.--Dismounting - without aid; upon the ground; upon a very low - horse-block.--Concluding remarks. 99 - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE SEAT ON HORSEBACK. - - The absolute necessity for a correct seat.--Natural riders - rarely acquire a correct seat.--The dead-weight seat.--The - wabbling seat.--Essential to good and graceful riding that - the body be held square and erect.--The correct seat.--Proper - attitude for the body, shoulders, waist, arms, hands, knees, - and legs, when on horseback.--Uses and advantages of the - third pommel.--Lessons in position should always be taken by - the novice in horseback riding.--Faulty positions of ladies - called "excellent equestriennes," pointed out at an imaginary - park.--Remarks concerning the improper use of stirrups and - pommels.--Pupils and teachers frequently in erroneous - positions toward each other.--Obstinacy of some pupils, and - wrong ideas of others.--Ladies should not be in too much - haste to become riders before they understand all the - elementary and necessary requirements; but should advance - carefully, attentively, and thoroughly.--Suggestions to - teachers of ladies in equitation. 114 - - -CHAPTER VI. - -HOLDING THE REINS, AND MANAGING THE HORSE. - - A thorough knowledge of the management of the horse highly - necessary for a lady.--Position in the saddle has an - important influence.--Horses generally more gentle with women - than with men.--Position should be acquired first, and - afterwards the reins be used.--How to hold the hands and - snaffle-reins, in first lessons.--To turn the horse to the - right, to the left, to back him, to stop him, with a - snaffle-rein in each hand.--Manner of holding the - snaffle-reins in the bridle-hand; to turn the horse to either - side; to back, and to stop him.--To change the snaffle-reins - from the left to the right hand; to reinstate them in the - bridle-hand.--To separate the snaffle-reins; to shorten or - lengthen them.--To hold the curb and bridoon, or double - bridle-reins; to shorten or lengthen them; to shorten the - curb and lengthen the snaffle-reins; to shorten the snaffle - and lengthen the curb-reins.--To tighten a rein that has - become loose.--To change the double bridle from the left to - the right hand; to return it to the left hand.--Management of - reins when making quick turns.--European manner of holding - the double bridle-reins, a pair in each hand.--The - equestrienne should practice and perfect herself in these - various manoeuvrings with the reins.--The proper rein-hold - creates a correspondence between the rider's hand and the - horse's mouth, and gives support to the animal.--Give and - take movements--The dead-pull.--In collecting the horse the - curb must be used.--The secret of good riding.--The - management of the reins with restive horses.--Liberty of the - reins sometimes necessary.--Movements of horse and rider - should correspond.--Horse united or collected.--Horse - disunited.--To animate the horse.--To soothe the horse.--What - to do in certain improper movements of the horse.--Concluding - remarks. 145 - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE WALK. - - The movements of the horse in walking.--A good walk is a - certain basis for perfection in other gaits.--A lady's horse - should be especially trained to walk well.--Every change - in the walk, as turning, backing, and stopping, should be well - learned, before attempting to ride in a faster gait.--The walk - is a gait more especially desirable for some ladies.--The advance, - the turn, the stop, the reining back, in the walk.--Remarks on - the reining back. 181 - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE TROT, THE AMBLE, THE PACE, THE RACK. - - The movements of the horse in trotting.--The trot a safe gait - for a lady.--The jog trot.--The racing trot.--The true - trot.--The French trot.--The English trot; is desirable for - ladies to learn.--Objections to the French trot.--How to - manage the horse and ride the English trot.--Which is the - leading foot of the horse in the trot.--To stop a horse in - the English trot.--Trotting in a circle.--Circling to the - right, to the left.--The amble.--The pace.--The rack. 197 - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE CANTER. - - Leading with the right foot, with the left foot.--The rapid - gallop.--The canter.--The true canter.--To commence the - canter; position of the rider, and management of the - horse.--To canter with the right leg leading.--To canter with - the left leg leading.--To determine with which leg the horse - is leading in the canter.--To change from the trot to the - canter.--To turn in the canter, to the right, to the - left.--Management of the horse while making a turn in the - canter.--To stop in the canter.--Remarks concerning position - in the canter. 221 - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE HAND GALLOP, THE FLYING GALLOP. - - The hand gallop, a favorite gait with ladies.--Position and - management of the reins, in the hand gallop.--Cautions to - ladies when riding the hand gallop.--To manage a disobedient - horse during the hand gallop.--Turning when riding the hand - gallop.--Position of rider while turning in the hand - gallop.--The flying gallop an exercise for country - roads.--Cautions to ladies previous to riding the flying - gallop.--Holding the reins, position of the rider, and - management of the horse, in the flying gallop.--To stop in - the flying gallop.--Concluding remarks. 238 - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE LEAP, THE STANDING LEAP, THE FLYING LEAP. - - Advantages of learning to leap.--Requisites necessary in - leaping.--The standing leap.--Position of the rider, - rein-hold, and management of the horse, in the standing - leap.--Points to be carefully observed in the leap.--How to - make the horse leap.--Management of the reins and of the - rider's position during the leap.--Counsels which should be - well learned by the rider before attempting the leap, and - especially as to the management of the horse.--How to train a - horse to leap.--A lady should never attempt the leap, except - with a horse well trained in it.--Horses do not all leap - alike.--The flying leap.--Important points to know relative - to the flying leap. 249 - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DEFENSES OF THE HORSE, CRITICAL SITUATIONS. - - A lady's horse should be gentle, well-trained, and possess - no vice.--Shying, and its treatment.--Shying sometimes due - to defective vision, and at other times to - discontent.--Balking, and its treatment.--Backing, and its - treatment.--Gayety.--Kicking, and its remedy. An attention - to the position and motions of the horse's ears will - determine what he is about to do.--Plunging; bucking; what - to do in these cases.--Rearing, and the course to be - pursued.--Running away, and the course to be - pursued.--Unsteadiness of the horse while being mounted, - and how to correct it.--Stumbling, and its treatment.--What - to do when the horse falls.--Remarks concerning the use of - the whip and spur.--Be generous to the horse when he yields - to his rider. 271 - - -ADDENDA. - - Thirty-four points necessary to be learned, and to be well - understood by equestriennes.--Conclusion. 301 - -GLOSSARY 313 - -INDEX 319 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - FIGURE PAGE - - 1. HEAD OF ARABIAN STEED 24 - - 2. HEAD OF LOW-BRED HORSE 24 - - 3. WIDTH OF LOWER JAW IN THE THOROUGH-BRED 26 - - 4. WIDTH OF THE LOWER JAW IN THE LOW-BRED 26 - - 5. OBLIQUE SHOULDER 27 - - 6. STRAIGHT OR UPRIGHT SHOULDER 28 - - 7. ENGLISH SADDLE 69 - - 8. STOKES' MODE OF GIRTHING THE SADDLE 77 - - 9. VICTORIA STIRRUP 79 - - 10. SPRING-BAR FOR STIRRUP-LEATHER 79 - - 11. LENNAN'S SAFETY STIRRUP 80 - - 12. LATCHFORD'S SAFETY STIRRUP 81 - - 13. CHIFNEY BIT 84 - - 14. THE COMBINATION BIT 85 - - 15. DWYER'S CURB-BIT 86 - - 16. THE BIT ADJUSTED 90 - - 17. LADY READY TO MOUNT HER HORSE 104 - - 18. LADY READY TO DISMOUNT 110 - - 19. CORRECT SEAT FOR A LADY (_Back view_) 119 - - 20. CORRECT SEAT FOR A LADY (_Side view_) 124 - - 21. CROOKED POSITION IN SADDLE (_Miss X._) 129 - - 22. CROOKED POSITION IN SADDLE (_Mrs. Y._) 133 - - 23. INCORRECT POSITION OF LEGS AND FEET (_Side view_) 136 - - 24. INCORRECT POSITION WHEN LEGS AND FEET ARE WRONGLY - PLACED (_Back view_) 137 - - 25. SNAFFLE-REINS; ONE IN EACH HAND 149 - - 26. SNAFFLE-REINS; BOTH IN THE LEFT HAND 153 - - 27. DOUBLE BRIDLE; ALL REINS IN THE BRIDLE-HAND 162 - - 28. DOUBLE BRIDLE; A SNAFFLE AND A CURB REIN IN EACH HAND 166 - - 29. THE WALK 185 - - 30. THE TROT 205 - - 31. ENTERING UPON THE CANTER WITH THE RIGHT LEG LEADING 225 - - 32. THE FLYING GALLOP 243 - - 33. THE STANDING LEAP--RISING 251 - - 34. THE STANDING LEAP--DESCENDING 259 - - 35. THE HORSE 299 - - - - -INTRODUCTION. - - "How melts my beating heart as I behold - Each lovely nymph, our island's boast and pride, - Push on the generous steed, that sweeps along - O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy hill, - Nor falters in the extended vale below!" - - _The Chase._ - - -Among ladies of wealth and culture in England, the equestrienne art -forms a portion of their education as much as the knowledge of their own -language, of French, or of music, and great care is taken that their -acquirements in this art shall be as thorough as those in any other -branch of their tuition. The mother bestows much of her own personal -supervision on her daughter's instruction, closely watching for every -little fault, and promptly correcting it when any becomes manifest. As a -result universally acknowledged, a young English lady, when riding a -well-trained and spirited horse, is a sight at once elegant and -attractive. She exhibits a degree of confidence, a firmness of seat, and -an ease and grace that can be acquired only by the most careful and -correct instruction. The fair rider guides her steed, without -abruptness, from walk to canter, from canter to trot, every movement in -perfect harmony; horse and rider being, as it were, of one thought. - - "Each look, each motion, awakes a new-born grace." - -Unfortunately, at the present day, from want of careful study of the -subject, the majority of American lady riders, notwithstanding the -elegance of their forms and their natural grace, by no means equal their -English sisters in the art of riding. In most instances, a faulty -position in the saddle, an unsteadiness of seat, and a lack of sympathy -between horse and rider, occasion in the mind of the spectator a sense -of uneasiness lest the horse, in making playful movements, or, perhaps, -becoming slightly fractious, may unseat his rider,--a feeling which -quite destroys the charm and fascination she might otherwise exercise. -If my countrywomen would but make a master stroke, and add correct -horseback riding to the long list of accomplishments which they now -possess, they would become irresistible, and while delighting others, -would likewise promote their own physical well-being. There is no -cosmetic nor physician's skill which can preserve the bloom and -freshness of youth as riding can, and my fair readers, if they wish to -prolong those charms for which they are world renowned, charms whose -only fault is their too fleeting existence, must take exercise, and be -more in the fresh air and sunshine. - -How much better to keep old age at bay by these innocent means, than to -resort to measures which give to the eye of the world a counterfeit -youth that will not deceive for a moment. Even an elderly lady may -without offense or harsh criticism recall some of the past joys of -younger years by an occasional ride for health or recreation, and, while -gracefully accepting her half century, or more, of life, she can still -retain some of the freshness and spirit of bygone years. - -Not only is health preserved and life prolonged by exercise on -horseback, but, in addition, sickness is banished, or meliorated, and -melancholy, that dark demon which occasionally haunts even the most -joyous life, is overcome and driven back to the dark shades from whence -it came. Should the reader have the good fortune to possess an -intelligent horse, she can, when assailed by sorrows real or fancied, -turn to this true, willing friend, whose affectionate neigh of greeting -as she approaches, and whose pretty little graceful arts, will tend to -dispel her gloom, and, once in the saddle, speeding along through the -freshening air, fancied griefs are soon forgotten, while strength and -nerve are gained to face those troubles of a more serious nature, whose -existence cannot be ignored. - -To the mistress who thoroughly understands the art of managing him, the -horse gives his entire affection and obedience, becomes her most willing -slave, submits to all her whims, and is proud and happy under her rule. - -In disposition the horse is much like a child. Both are governed by -kindness combined with firmness; both meet indifference with -indifference, but return tenfold in love and obedience any care or -affection that is bestowed upon them. The horse also resembles the child -in the keenness with which he detects hypocrisy; no pretense of love or -interest will impose on either. - -To the lady rider who has neither real fondness for her horse nor -knowledge of governing him, there is left but one resource by means of -which the animal can be controlled, and this is the passion of fear. -With a determined will, she may, by whipping, force him to obey, but -this means is not always reliable, especially with a high-spirited -animal, nor is it a method which any true woman would care to employ. -If, in addition to indifference to the horse, there be added nervousness -and timidity, which she finds herself unable to overcome by practice and -association, the lady might as well relinquish all attempt to become a -rider. - -Should any of my readers think that these views of the relations between -horse and rider are too sentimental, that all which is needed in a horse -is easy movement, obedience to the reins, and readiness to go forward -when urged, and that love and respect are quite unnecessary, she will -find, should she ever meet with any really alarming object on the road, -that a little of this despised affection and confidence is very -desirable, for, in the moment of danger, the voice which has never -spoken in caressing accents, nor sought to win confidence will be -unheeded; fear will prevail over careful training, and the rider will be -very fortunate if she escapes without an accident. The writer is -sustained in the idea that the affection of the horse is essential to -the safety of the rider, not only by her own experience, but also by -that of some of the most eminent teachers of riding, and trainers of -horses. - -Maud S. is an example of what a firm yet kind rule will effect in -bringing forth the capabilities of a horse. She has never had a harsh -word spoken to her, and has never been punished with the whip, but has, -on the contrary, been trained with the most patient and loving care; and -the result has been a speed so marvelous as to have positively -astonished the world, for although naturally high tempered, she will -strain every nerve to please her kind, loving master, when urged forward -by his voice alone. - -Some ladies acquire a dislike for horseback riding, either because they -experience discomfort or uneasiness when in the saddle, or because the -movements of their horses cause them considerable fatigue. There may be -various reasons for this: the saddle may be too large, or too small, or -improperly made; or the rider's position in the saddle may be incorrect, -and as a consequence, the animal cannot be brought to his best paces. -Discomfort may occasionally be caused by an improperly made -riding-habit. The rider whose waist is confined by tight lacing cannot -adapt herself to the motions of her horse, and the graceful pliancy so -essential to good riding will, therefore, be lost. The lady who wears -tight corsets can never become a thorough rider, nor will the exercise -of riding give her either pleasure or health. She may manage to look -well when riding at a gait no faster than a walk, but, beyond this, her -motions will appear rigid and uncomfortable. A quick pace will induce -rapid circulation, and the blood, checked at the waist, will, like a -stream which has met with an obstacle in its course, turn into other -channels, rushing either to the heart, causing faintness, or to the -head, producing headache and vertigo. There have even been instances of -a serious nature, where expectoration of blood has been occasioned by -horseback riding, when the rider was tightly laced. - -The naturally slender, symmetrical figure, when in the saddle, is the -perfection of beauty, but she whom nature has endowed with more ample -proportions will never attain this perfection by pinching her waist in. -Let the full figure be left to nature, its owner sitting well in the -saddle, on a horse adapted to her style, and she will make a very -imposing appearance, and prove a formidable rival to her more slender -companion. - -There is a mistaken idea prevalent among certain persons, that horseback -riding induces obesity. It is true that, to a certain extent, riding -favors healthy muscular development, but the same may be said of all -kinds of exercise, and this effect, far from being objectionable, is -highly desirable, as it contributes to symmetry of form, as well as to -health and strength, conditions that in a large proportion of our -American women are unfortunately lacking. Those who ride on horseback -will find that while gaining in strength and proper physical tissue, -they will, at the same time, as a rule, be gradually losing all excess -of flesh; it is impossible for an active rider to become fat or flabby; -but the indolent woman who is prejudiced against exercise of any kind -will soon find the much dreaded calamity, corpulency, overtaking her, -and beauty of form more or less rapidly disappearing beneath a mountain -of flesh. - -There are many persons who entertain the mistaken idea that instinct is -a sufficient guide in learning to ride; that it is quite unnecessary to -take any lessons or to make a study of the art of correct riding; and -that youth, a good figure, and practice are all that is required to make -a finished rider. This is a most erroneous opinion, which has been -productive of much harm to lady riders. The above qualifications are -undoubtedly great assistants, but without correct instruction they will -never produce an accomplished and graceful rider. - -The instinctive horsewoman usually rides boldly and with perfect -satisfaction to herself, but to the eye of the connoisseur she presents -many glaring defects. Very bold, but, at the same time, very bad riding -is often seen among those who consider themselves very fine horsewomen. -In order to gain the reputation of a finished rider, it is not essential -that one should perform all the antics of a circus rider, nor that she -should ride a Mazeppian horse. The finished rider may be known by the -correctness of her attitude in the saddle, by her complete control of -her horse, and by the tranquillity of her motions when in city or park; -in such places she makes no attempt to ride at a very rapid trot, or -flying gallop-gaits which should be reserved for country roads, where -more speed is allowable. - -There is still another false idea prevalent among a certain class of -people, which is that a love for horses, and for horseback riding -necessarily makes one coarse, and detracts from the refinement of a -woman's nature. It must be acknowledged that the coarseness of a vulgar -spirit can be nowhere more conspicuously displayed than in the saddle, -and yet in no place is the delicacy and decorum of woman more -observable. A person on horseback is placed in a position where every -motion is subject to critical observation and comment. The quiet, -simple costume, the easy movements, the absence of ostentatious display, -will always proclaim the refined, well-bred rider. Rudeness in the -saddle is as much out of place as in the parlor or salon, and greatly -more annoying to spectators, besides being disrespectful and dangerous -to other riders. Abrupt movements, awkward and rapid paces, frequently -cause neighboring horses to become restless, and even to run away. -Because a lady loves her horse, and enjoys riding him, it is by no means -necessary that she should become a Lady Gay Spanker, indulge in stable -talk, make familiars of grooms and stable boys, or follow the hounds in -the hunting field. - -There are in this work no especial instructions given for the hunting -field, as the author does not consider it a suitable place for a lady -rider. She believes that no lady should risk life and limb in leaping -high and dangerous obstacles, but that all such daring feats should be -left to the other sex or to circus actresses. Nor would any woman who -really cared for her horse wish to run the risk of reducing him to the -deplorable condition of many horses that follow the hounds. In England, -where hunting is the favorite pastime among gentlemen, the number of -maimed and crippled horses that one meets is disheartening. Every lady, -however, who desires to become a finished rider, should learn to leap, -as this will not only aid her in securing a good seat in the saddle, but -may also prove of value in times of danger. - -Before concluding I would again urge upon my readers the importance of -out-of-door exercise, which can hardly be taken in a more agreeable form -than that of horseback riding,--a great panacea, giving rest and -refreshment to the overworked brain of the student, counteracting many -of the pernicious effects of the luxurious lives of the wealthy, and -acting upon the workers of the world as a tonic, and as a stimulus to -greater exertion. - - - - -THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE HORSE. - - "Look, when a painter would surpass the life, - In limning out a well-proportioned steed, - His art with Nature's workmanship at strife, - As if the dead the living should exceed; - So did this horse excel a common one, - In shape, in courage, color, pace, and bone." - * * * * * - --"what a horse should have he did not lack, - Save a proud rider on so proud a back." - - _Venus and Adonis._ - - -It is supposed that the original home of the horse was central Asia, and -that all the wild horses that range over the steppes of Tartary, the -pampas of South America, and the prairies of North America, are -descendants of this Asiatic stock.[1] There is, in the history of the -world, no accurate statement of the time when the horse was first -subjugated by man, but so far back as his career can be traced in the -dim and shadowy past, he seems to have been man's servant and companion. -We find him, on the mysterious ruins of ancient Egypt, represented with -his badge of servitude, the bridle; he figures in myth and fable as the -companion of man and gods; he is a prominent figure in the pictured -battle scenes of the ancient world; and has always been a favorite theme -with poet, historian, and philosopher in all ages. - - Footnote 1: A very interesting work, by C. A. Pietrement, has recently - been issued in France, entitled _Les chevaux dans les temps - prehistorique et historique_. The author shows that wild horses were - hunted and eaten by man in the rough stone age. He also determines in - what European and Asiatic regions the eight extant horse families were - domesticated, and traces their various wanderings over the earth, - deducing many interesting facts from the history of their migrations. - -The first written record, known to us, of the subjection of the horse to -man is found in the Bible, where in Genesis (xlvii. 17) it is stated -that Joseph gave the Egyptians bread in exchange for their horses, and -in 1. 9, we read that when Joseph went to bury his father Jacob, there -went with him the servants of the house of Pharaoh, the elders of the -land of Egypt, together with "chariots and horsemen" in numbers. -Jeremiah compares the speed of the horse with the swiftness of the -eagle; and Job's description of the war charger has never been -surpassed. - -Ancient Rome paid homage to the horse by a yearly festival, when every -one abstained from labor, and the day was made one of feasting and -frolic. The horse, decked with garlands, and with gay and costly -trappings, was led in triumph through the streets, followed by a -multitude who loudly proclaimed in verse and song his many good services -to man. - -This adulation of the horse sometimes went beyond the bounds of reason, -as in the case of Caligula, who carried his love for his horse, -Incitatus, to an insane degree. He had a marble palace erected for a -stable, furnished it with mangers of ivory and gold, and had sentinels -guard it at night that the repose of his favorite might not be -disturbed. Another elegant palace was fitted up in the most splendid and -costly style, and here the animal's visitors were entertained. Caligula -required all who called upon himself to visit Incitatus also, and to -treat the animal with the same respect and reverence as that observed -towards a royal host. This horse was frequently introduced at Caligula's -banquets, where he was presented with gilded oats, and with wine from a -golden cup. Historians state that Caligula would even have made his -steed consul of Rome, had not the tyrant been opportunely assassinated, -and the world freed from an insane fiend. - -In the legends of the Middle Ages the knight-errant and his gallant -steed were inseparable, and together performed doughty deeds of valor -and chivalry. In our present more prosaic age, the horse has been -trained to such a degree of perfection in speed and motion as was never -dreamed of by the ancients or by the knights of the crusades; and there -has been given to the world an animal that is a marvel of courage, -swiftness, and endurance, while, at the same time, so docile, that the -delicate hand of woman can completely control him. - -The Arabian is the patrician among horses; he is the most intelligent, -the most beautifully formed, and, when kindly treated, the gentlest of -his race. He is especially noted for his keenness of perception, his -retentive memory, his powers of endurance, and, when harshly or cruelly -treated, for his fierce resentment and ferociousness, which nothing but -death can conquer. In his Arabian home he is guarded as a treasure, is -made one of the family and treated with the most loving care. This close -companionship creates an affection and confidence between the horse and -his master which is almost unbounded; while the kindness with which the -animal is treated seems to brighten his intelligence as well as to -render him gentle. - -When these horses were first introduced into Europe they seemed, after a -short stay in civilization, to have completely changed their nature, -and, instead of gentleness and docility, exhibited an almost tiger-like -ferocity. This change was at first attributed to difference of climate -and high feeding, but, after several grooms had been injured or killed -by their charges, it began to be suspected that there was something -wrong in the treatment. The experiment of introducing native grooms was -therefore tried, and the results proved most satisfactory, the animals -once more becoming gentle and docile.[2] Since then the nature of the -Arabian has become better understood, and, both in this country and in -Europe, he shows, at the present day, a decided improvement upon the -original native of the desert. He is larger and swifter, yet still -retains all the spirit as well as docility of his ancestors. In America -his descendants are called "thorough-breds," and Americans may well be -proud of this race of horses, which is rapidly becoming world renowned. - - Footnote 2: "The Bedouin (and every other race of Orientals that I am - acquainted with seems to possess somewhat the same quality) exhibits a - patience towards his horse as remarkable as is the impatience and - roughness of the Englishman.... In his (the Oriental's) mental - organization some screw is tight which in the English mind is loose; - he is sane on a point where the Englishman is slightly cracked, and he - rides on serene and contented where the latter would go into a - paroxysm of swearing and spurring. I have seen an Arab horse, broken - loose at a moment when our camp was thronged with horses brought for - sale, turn the whole concern topsy-turvy, and reduce it to one tumult - of pawing and snorting and belligerent screeching; and I never yet saw - the captor when he finally got hold of the halter show the least trace - of anger, or do otherwise than lead the animal back to his picket with - perfect calmness. Contrast this with the 'job' in the mouth and the - kick in the ribs and the curse that the English groom would bestow - under similar circumstances, and you have, in a great measure, the - secret of the good temper of the Arab horse in Arab - hands."--_Blackwood's Magazine_, 1859. - -Before purchasing a saddle-horse, several points should be considered. -First, =the style of the rider's figure=; for a horse which would be -suitable for a large, stout person would not be at all desirable for one -having a small, slender figure. A large, majestic looking woman would -present a very absurd spectacle when mounted upon a slightly built, -slender horse; his narrow back in contrast with that of his rider would -cause hers to appear even larger and wider than usual, and thus give her -a heavy and ridiculous appearance, while the little horse would look -overburdened and miserable, and his step, being too short for his rider, -would cause her to experience an unpleasant sensation of embarrassment -and restraint. On the other hand, a short, light, slender rider, seated -upon a tall broad-backed animal, would appear equally out of place; the -step of the horse being, in her case, too long, would make her seat -unsteady and insecure, so that instead of a sense of enjoyment, -exhilaration, and benefit from the ride, she would experience only -fatigue and dissatisfaction. - -If the rider be tall and rather plump, the horse should be fifteen hands -and three inches in height, and have a somewhat broad back. A lady below -the medium height, and of slender proportions, will look equally well -when riding a pony fourteen hands high, or a horse fifteen hands. An -animal fifteen hands, or fifteen hands and two inches in height, will -generally be found suitable for all ladies who are not excessively large -and tall, or very short and slender. In all cases, however, the back of -the horse should be long enough to appear well under the side-saddle, -for a horse with a short back never presents a fine aspect when carrying -a woman. In such cases, the side-saddle extends from his withers nearly, -if not quite, to his hips, and as the riding skirt covers his left side, -little is seen of the horse except his head and tail. Horses with very -short backs are usually good weight-carriers, but their gaits are apt to -be rough and uneasy. - -Another point to be considered in the selection of a horse is, what gait -or gaits are best suited to the rider, and here again the lady should -take her figure into consideration. The walk, trot, canter, and gallop -are the only gaits recognized by English horsewomen, but in America the -walk, rack, pace, and canter are the favorite gaits. If the lady's -figure be slender and elegant, any of the above named gaits will suit -her, but should she be large or stout, a brisk walk or easy canter -should be selected. The rapid gallop and all fast gaits should be left -to light and active riders. - -The fast or running walk is a very desirable gait for any one, but is -especially so for middle-aged or stout people, who cannot endure much -jolting; it is also excellent for delicate women, for poor riders, or -for those who have long journeys to make which they wish to accomplish -speedily and without undue fatigue to themselves or their horses. A good -sound horse who has been trained to this walk can readily travel thirty -or forty miles a day, or even more. This gait is adapted equally well to -the street, the park, and the country road; but it must be acknowledged -that horses possessing it rarely have any other that is desirable, and, -indeed, any other would be apt to impair the ease and harmony of the -animal's movements in this walk. - -The French or cavalry trot (see page 203) should never be ridden on the -road by a woman, as the movements of the horse in this gait are so very -rough that the most accomplished rider cannot keep a firm, steady seat. -The body is jolted in a peculiar and very unpleasant manner, occasioning -a sense of fatigue that is readily appreciated, though difficult to -describe. - -The country jog-trot is another very fatiguing gait, although farmers, -who ride it a good deal, state that "after one gets used to it, it is -not at all tiresome." But a lady's seat in the saddle is so different -from that of a gentleman's that she can never ride this gait without -excessive fatigue. - -A rough racker or pacer will prove almost as wearisome as the -jog-trotter. Indeed, if she wishes to gain any pleasure or benefit from -riding, a lady should never mount a horse that is at all stiff or uneven -in his movements, no matter what may be his gait. - -The easiest of all gaits to ride, although the most difficult to learn, -is the English trot. This is especially adapted to short persons, who -can ride it to perfection. A tall woman will be apt to lean too far -forward when rising in it, and her specialties, therefore, should be -the canter and the gallop, in which she can appear to the greatest -advantage. The rack, and the pace of a horse that has easy movements are -not at all difficult to learn to ride, and are, consequently, the -favorite gaits of poor riders. - -In selecting a horse his =temperament= must also be considered. A -high-spirited, nervous animal, full of vitality, highly satisfactory as -he might prove to some, would be only a source of misery to others of -less courageous dispositions. First lessons in riding should be taken -upon a horse of cold temperament and kindly disposition who will resent -neither mistakes nor awkwardness. Having learned to ride and to manage a -horse properly, no steed can then be too mettlesome for the healthy and -active lady pupil, provided he has no vices and possesses the good -manners that should always belong to every lady's horse. - -It is a great mistake to believe, as many do, that a weak, slightly -built horse is yet capable of carrying a woman. On the contrary, a -lady's horse should be the soundest and best that can be procured, and -should be able to carry with perfect ease a weight much greater than -hers. A slight, weak animal, if ridden much by a woman, will be certain -to "get out of condition," will become unsound in the limbs of one -side, usually the left, and will soon wear out. - -Before buying a horse, the lady who is to ride him should be weighed, -and should then have some one who is considerably heavier than herself -ride the animal, that she may be sure that her own weight will not be -too great for him. If he carries the heavier weight with ease, he can, -of course, carry her. - -In selecting a horse great care should be taken to ascertain whether -there is the least trace of =unsoundness in his feet and legs=, and -especially that variety of unsoundness which occasions stumbling. The -best of horses, when going over rough places or when very tired may -stumble, and so will indolent horses that are too lazy when traveling to -lift their feet up fully; but when this fault is due to disease, or -becomes a habit with a lazy animal, he should never be used under the -side-saddle. - -[Illustration: Fig. 1.--Head of Arabian Steed.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 2.--Head of Low-Bred Horse.] - -If the reader will glance at Figs. 1 and 2, she will observe the -difference between the head of the low-bred horse and that of the best -bred of the race. Fig. 1 represents the head of an Arabian horse; the -brain is wide between the eyes, the brow high and prominent, and the -expression of the face high-bred and intelligent. Fig. 2 shows the head -of a low-bred horse, whose stupid aspect and small brain are very -manifest. The one horse will be quick to comprehend what is required of -him, and will appreciate any efforts made to brighten his intelligence, -while the other will be slow to understand, almost indifferent to the -kindness of his master, and apt, when too much indulged, to return -treachery for good treatment. The whip, when applied to the latter as a -means of punishment, will probably cow him, but, if used for the same -purpose on the former, will rouse in him all the hot temper derived from -his ancestors, and in the contest which ensues between his master and -himself, he will conquer, or terminate the strife his own death, or that -of his master. - -Another noticeable feature in the Arab horse, and one usually considered -significant of an active and wide-awake temperament, is the width and -expansiveness of the nostrils. These, upon the least excitement, will -quiver and expand, and in a rapid gallop will stand out freely, giving a -singularly spirited look to the animal's face. - -The shape and size of the ears are also indications of high or low -birth. In the high-bred horse they are generally small, thin, and -delicate on their outer margins, with the tips inclined somewhat towards -one another. By means of these organs the animal expresses his different -emotions of anger, fear, dislike, or gayety. They may be termed his -language, and their various movements can readily be understood when one -takes a little trouble to study their indications. The ears of a -low-bred horse are large, thick, and covered with coarse hair; they -sometimes lop or droop horizontally, protruding from the sides of the -head and giving a very sheepish look to the face; they rarely move, and -express very little emotion of any kind. - -The eye of the desert steed is very beautiful, possessing all the -brilliancy and gentleness so much admired in that of the gazelle. Its -expression in repose is one of mildness and amiability, but, under the -influence of excitement, it dilates widely and sparkles. A horse which -has small eyes set close together, no matter what excellences he may -possess in other respects, is sure to have some taint of inferior blood. -Some of the coarser breeds have the large eye of the Arabian, but it -will usually be found that they have some thorough-bred among their -ancestors. - -[Illustration: Fig. 3.--Width of lower jaw in the thorough-bred.] - -Width between the sides or branches of the lower jaw is another -distinctive feature of the horse of pure descent. (Fig. 3.) A wide -furrow or channel between the points mentioned is necessary for speed, -in order to allow room for free respiration when the animal is in rapid -motion. The coarser breeds have very small, narrow channels (Fig. 4), -and very rapid motion soon distresses them. - -[Illustration: Fig. 4.--Width of lower jaw in the low-bred.] - -The mouth of the well-bred horse is large, allowing ample room for the -bit, and giving him a determined and energetic, but at the same time -pleasant, amiable expression. The mouth of the low-bred horse is small -and covered with coarse hair, and gives the animal a sulky, dejected -appearance. - -[Illustration: Fig. 5.--Oblique shoulder. The angle at the joint being -about 45 deg..] - -The light, elegant head of the Arabian is well set on his neck; a slight -convexity at the upper part of the throat gives freedom to the functions -of this organ, as well as elasticity to the movements of the head and -neck; and the _encolure_, or crest of the neck, is arched with a -graceful curve. But it is especially in the shape of the shoulders that -this horse excels all others, and this is the secret of those easy -movements which make him so desirable for the saddle. These shoulders -are deep, and placed obliquely at an angle of about 45 deg.; they act like -the springs of a well-made carriage, diminishing the shock or jar of his -movements. They are always accompanied by a deep chest, high withers, -and fore-legs set well forward, qualities which make the horse much -safer for riding. (Fig. 5.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 6.--Straight or upright shoulder. The angle at the -joint being more than 45 deg..] - -The animal with straight shoulders, no matter how well shaped in other -respects, can never make a good saddle-horse, and should be at once -rejected. These shoulders are usually accompanied by low withers, and -fore-legs placed too far under the body, which arrangement causes the -rider an unpleasant jar every time a fore-foot touches the ground. -Moreover, the gait of the horse is constrained and not always safe, and -if he be used much under the saddle his fore-feet will soon become -unsound. This straight, upright shoulder is characteristic of the -coarser breeds of horses, and is frequently associated with a short, -thick neck. Such horses are not only unfit for the saddle, but, when any -speed is desired, are unsuitable even for a pleasure carriage. (Fig. 6.) - -The haunch of the low-bred horse is generally large, but not so well -formed as that of the thorough-bred. This portion of the Arabian courser -is wide, indicating strength, and force to propel himself forward, while -his tail, standing out gayly when he is in motion, projects in a line -with his back-bone. His forearm is large, long, and muscular,[3] his -knees broad and firm, his hocks of considerable size, while his -cannon-bone, situated between the knee and the fetlock, is short, -although presenting a broad appearance when viewed laterally. - - Footnote 3: "There is, however, a medium in this, and the advantage of - length in the arm will depend on the use to which the horse is - applied. The lady's horse, the cavalry horse, every horse in which - prancing action is esteemed a beauty, and in which utility is, to a - certain degree, sacrificed to appearance, must not be too long in the - arm. If he is long there, he will be proportionally short in the leg; - and although this is an undoubted excellence, whether speed or - continuance is regarded, the short leg will not give the grand and - imposing action which fashion may require. In addition to this, a - horse with short legs may not have quite so easy an action as another - whose length is in the shank rather than in the arms."--_W. Youatt._ - -On each front leg, at the back of the knee, there is a bony projection, -giving attachments to the flexor muscles, and affording protection to -certain tendons. The Orientals set a great value upon the presence of -this bone, believing that it favors muscular action, and the larger this -prominence is the more highly do they prize the animal that possesses -it. The pasterns of the high-bred horse are of medium length, and very -elastic, while the foot is circular and of moderate size. - -In the preceding description, the author has endeavored to make plain to -the reader the most important points to be observed in both the -high-bred and the low-bred horse, and has given the most pronounced -characteristics of each. - -Between these extremes, however, there are many varieties of horses, -possessing more or less of the Arabian characteristics mingled with -those of other races. Some of the best American horses are numbered -among these mixed races, and, by many, are considered an improvement -upon the Arabian, as they are excellent for light carriages and buggies. -The more they resemble the Oriental steed, the better they are for the -saddle. - -The lady who, in this country, cannot find a horse to suit her, will, -indeed, be difficult to please. It will be best for her to tell some -gentleman what sort of horse she wishes, and let him select for her; -but, at the same time, it can do no harm, and may prove a great -advantage to her to know all the requisite points of a good -saddle-horse. It will not take long to learn them, and the knowledge -gained will prevent her from being imposed upon by the ignorant or -unscrupulous. Gentlemen, even those who consider themselves good judges -of horse-flesh, are sometimes guilty of very serious blunders in -selecting a horse for a lady's use; and should the lady be obliged to -negotiate directly with a horse-dealer, she must bear in mind constantly -the fact that, although there are reliable and honorable dealers to be -found, there are many who would not scruple to cheat even a woman. A -careful perusal of the present work, together with the advice of an -_upright_ and _trustworthy_ veterinary surgeon, or a skilled -riding-master, will aid her in protecting herself from the impositions -of unprincipled horse-jockeys and self-styled "veterinary doctors." - -In any case, whatever be the other characteristics of the animal -selected, be sure that he has the oblique shoulder, as well as depth of -shoulder, and hind-legs well bent. Without these characteristics he will -be unfit for a lady's use, as his movements will be rough and unsafe, -and the saddle will be apt to turn. - -If it be desired to purchase a horse for a moderate price, certain -points which might be insisted on in a high-priced animal will have to -be dispensed with; for instance, his color may not be satisfactory; he -may not have a pretty head, or a well-set tail, etc., but these -deficiencies may be overlooked if he be sound, have good action, and no -vices. He may be handsome, well-actioned, and thoroughly trained, but -have a slight defect in his wind, noticeable only when he is urged into -a rapid trot, or a gallop. If wanted for street and park service only, -and if the purchaser does not care for fast riding, a horse of this -sort will suit her very well. Sometimes a horse of good breed, as well -as of good form, has never had the advantages of a thorough training, or -he may be worn out by excessive work. Should he be comparatively young, -rest and proper training may still make a good horse of him, but great -care should be taken to assure one's self that no permanent disease or -injury exists. The Orientals have a proverb, that it is well to bear in -mind when buying an animal of the kind just described:--"Ruin, son of -ruin, is he who buys to cure." - -Always examine with great care a horse's mouth. A hard-mouthed animal is -a very unpleasant one for a lady to ride, and is apt to degenerate into -a runaway. Scars at the angles of the mouth are good indications of a -"bolter," or runaway, or at least of cruel treatment, and harsh usage is -by no means a good instructor. - -While a very short-backed horse does not appear to great advantage under -a side-saddle, he may, nevertheless, have many good qualities that will -compensate for this defect, and it may be overlooked provided the price -asked for him be reasonable; but horses of this kind frequently command -a high price when their action is exceptionally good. Corns on the feet -generally depreciate the value of a horse, although they may sometimes -be cured by removing the shoes, and giving him a free run of six or -eight months in a pasture of soft ground; if he be then properly shod, -and used on country roads only, he may become permanently serviceable. -There is, however, considerable risk in buying a horse that has corns, -and the purchaser should remember the Oriental proverb just referred to, -and not forget the veterinary surgeon. - -Before paying for a horse, the lady should insist upon having him on -trial for at least a month, that she may have an opportunity of -discovering his vices or defects, if any such exist. She must be careful -not to condemn him too hastily, and should, when trying him, make due -allowance for his change of quarters and also for the novelty of -carrying a new rider, as some horses are very nervous until they become -well acquainted with their riders. Should the horse's movements prove -rough, should he be found hard-mouthed, or should any indications of -unsoundness or viciousness be detected, he should be immediately -returned to his owner. It must be remembered, however, that very few -horses are perfect, and that minor defects may, in most instances, be -overlooked if the essentials are secured. Before rejecting the horse, -the lady should also be very sure that the faults to which she objects -are not due to her own mismanagement of him. But if she decides that she -is not at fault, no amount of persuasion should induce her to purchase. -In justice to the owner of the horse, he ought to be reasonably paid for -the time and services of his rejected animal; but if it be decided to -keep the horse, then only the purchase-money originally agreed upon -should be paid. - -The surest and best way of securing a good saddle-horse is to purchase, -from one of the celebrated breeding farms, a well-shaped four-year-old -colt of good breed, and have him taught the gaits and style of movement -required. Great care should be taken in the selection of his teacher, -for if the colt's temper be spoiled by injudicious treatment, he will be -completely ruined for a lady's use. A riding-school teacher will -generally understand all the requirements necessary for a lady's -saddle-horse, and may be safely intrusted with the animal's education. -If no riding-school master of established reputation as a trainer can be -had, it may be possible to secure the services of some one near the -lady's home, as she can then superintend the colt's education herself -and be sure that he is treated neither rashly nor cruelly. - -The ideas concerning the education of the horse have completely changed -within the last twenty-five years. The whip as a means of punishment is -entirely dispensed with in the best training schools of the present day, -and, instead of rough and brutal measures, kindness, firmness, and -patience are now the only means employed to train and govern him. The -theory of this modern system of training may be found in the following -explanation of a celebrated English trainer, who subdued his horses by -exhibiting towards them a wonderful degree of patience:--"If I enter -into a contest with the horse, he will fling and prance, and there will -be no knowing which will be master; whereas if I remain quiet and -determined, I have the best of it." - -The following is an example of the patience with which this man carried -out his theory:-- - -Being once mounted on a very obstinate colt that refused to move in the -direction desired, he declined all suggestions of severe measures, and -after one or two gentle but fruitless attempts to make the animal move, -he desisted, and having called for his pipe, sat there quietly for a -couple of hours enjoying a good smoke, and chatting gayly with passing -friends. Then after another quiet but unsuccessful attempt to induce -the colt to move, he sent for some dinner which he ate while still on -the animal's back. As night approached and the air became cool, he sent -for his overcoat and more tobacco, and proceeded to make a night of it. -About this time the colt became uneasy, but not until midnight did he -show any disposition to move in the required direction. Now was the time -for the master to assert himself. "Whoa!" he cried, "you have stayed -here so long to please yourself, now you will stay a little longer to -please me." He then kept the colt standing in the same place an hour -longer, and when he finally allowed him to move, it was in a direction -opposite to that which the colt seemed disposed to take. He walked the -animal slowly for five miles, then allowed him to trot back to his -stable, and finally--as if he had been a disobedient child--sent him -supperless to bed, giving him the rest of the night in which to meditate -upon the effects of his obstinacy. - -To some this may seem a great deal of useless trouble to take with a -colt that might have been compelled to move more promptly by means of -whip or spur; but that day's experience completely subdued the colt's -stubborn spirit, and all idea of rebellion to human authority was -banished from his mind forever. Had a contrary course been pursued, it -would probably have made the creature headstrong, balky, and unreliable; -he would have yielded to the whip and spur at one time only to battle -the more fiercely against them at the first favorable opportunity, and -his master would never have known at what minute he might have to enter -into a contest with him. That a horse trained by violent means can never -be trusted is a fact which is every day becoming better recognized and -appreciated. - -"A great many accidents might be avoided," says a well-known authority -upon the education of the horse, "could the populace be instructed to -think a horse was endowed with senses, was gifted with feelings, and was -able in some degree to appreciate motives."... "The strongest man cannot -physically contend against the weakest horse. Man's power reposes in -better attributes than any which reside in thews and muscles. Reason -alone should dictate and control his conduct. Thus guided, mortals have -subdued the elements. For power, when mental, is without limit: by -savage violence nothing is attained and man is often humbled." - -The lady who has the good fortune to live in the country where she can -have so many opportunities for studying the disposition and character -of her animals, and can, if she chooses, watch and superintend the -education of her horse from the time he is a colt, has undoubtedly a -better chance of securing a fine saddle-horse than she who lives in the -city and is obliged to depend almost entirely upon others for the -training of her horse. Indeed, very little formal training will be -necessary for a horse that has been brought up under the eye of a kind -and judicious mistress, for he will soon learn to understand and obey -the wishes of one whom he loves and trusts, and if she be an -accomplished rider she can do the greater part of the training herself. - -The best and most trustworthy horse the author ever had was one that was -trained almost from his birth. Fay's advent was a welcome event to the -children of the family, by whom he was immediately claimed and used as a -play-fellow. By the older members of the family he was always regarded -as part of the household,--an honored servant, to be well cared -for,--and he was petted and fondled by all, from paterfamilias down to -Bridget in the kitchen. He was taught, among other tricks, to bow -politely when anything nice was given him, and many were the journeys he -made around to the kitchen window, where he would make his obeisance in -such an irresistible manner that Bridget would be completely captivated; -and the dainty bits were passed through the window in such quantities -and were swallowed with such avidity that the lady of the house had to -interfere and restrict the donations to two cakes daily. - -Fay had been taught to shake hands with his admirers, and this trick was -called his "word of honor;" he had his likes and dislikes, and would -positively refuse to honor some people with a hand-shake. If these -slighted individuals insisted upon riding him, he made them so -uncomfortable by the roughness of his gaits that they never cared to -repeat the experiment. But the favored ones, whom he had received into -his good graces and to whom he had given his "word of honor," he would -carry safely anywhere, at his lightest and easiest gait. Fay never went -back on his word, which is more than can be said of some human beings. - -The great difficulty in training a horse for a lady's use is to get him -well placed on his haunches. In Fay's case this was accomplished by -teaching him to place his fore-feet upon a stout inverted tub, about two -feet high. When he offered his "hand" for a shake, some one pushed -forward the tub, upon which his "foot" dropped and was allowed to -remain a short time, when the other foot was treated in the same manner. -After half a dozen lessons of this sort, he learned to put up his feet -without assistance; first one, and then the other, and, finally, both at -once. These performances were always rewarded by a piece of apple or -cake, together with expressions of pleasure from the by-standers. Fay -had a weakness for flattery, and no actor called before the curtain ever -expressed more pleasure at an _encore_ than did Fay when applauded for -his efforts to please. That the tub trick would prove equally effectual -with other horses in teaching them to place themselves well on their -haunches cannot be positively stated. It might prove more troublesome to -teach most horses this trick than to have them placed upon their -haunches in the usual way by means of a strong curb, or by lessons with -the lunge line. It proved entirely successful in Fay's case, and a horse -lighter in hand or easier in gait was never ridden by a woman. - -Fay's training began when he was only a few weeks old: a light halter -and a loose calico surcingle were placed on him for a short time each -day, during which time he was carefully watched lest he should do -himself some injury. When he was about eight months old, a small bit, -made of a smooth stick of licorice, was put into his mouth, and to this -bit light leather reins were fastened by pieces of elastic rubber: this -rubber relieved his mouth from a constant dead pull, and tended to -preserve its delicate sensibility. Thus harnessed he was led around the -lawn, followed by a crowd of youthful admirers and playmates, who formed -a sort of triumphal procession, with which the colt was as well pleased -as the spectators. Every attempt on his part to indulge in horse-play, -such as biting, kicking, etc., was always quickly checked, and no one -was allowed to tease or strike him. - -Nothing heavier than a dumb jockey was put on his back until he was four -years old, when his education began in sober earnest. After a few -lessons with the lunge line, given by a regular trainer, a saddle was -put on his back, and for the first time in his life he carried a human -being. - -When learning his different riding gaits on the road, he was always -accompanied by a well-trained saddle-horse, aided by whose example as -well as by the efforts of his rider he was soon trained in three -different styles of movement, namely, a good walk, trot, and hand -gallop. Fear seemed unknown to this horse, for he had always been -allowed as a colt to follow his dam on the road, and had thus become so -accustomed to all such alarming objects as steam engines, hay carts, -etc., that they had ceased to occasion him the least uneasiness. This -high spirited and courageous animal had perfect confidence in the world -and looked upon all mankind as friendly. His constant companionship with -human beings had sharpened his perceptive faculties, and made him quick -to understand whatever was required of him. The kindness shown him was -never allowed to degenerate into weakness or over-indulgence, and -whenever anything was required of him it was insisted upon until -complete obedience was obtained. In this way he was taught to understand -that man was his master and superior. - -Although it is not absolutely essential that a lady's horse should learn -the tricks of bowing, hand-shaking, etc., yet the lady who will take the -pains to teach her horse some of them will find that she not only gets a -great deal of pleasure from the lessons, but that they enable her to -gain more complete control over him, for the horse, like some other -animals, gives affection and entire obedience to the person who makes an -effort to increase his intelligence. - -Lessons with the lunge line should always be short, as they are very -fatiguing to a young colt, and when given too often or for too great a -length of time they make him giddy from rush of blood to the head; not a -few instances, indeed, have occurred where a persistence in such lessons -has occasioned complete blindness. - -A lady's horse should be taught to disregard the flapping of the -riding-skirt, and it is also well for him to become accustomed to having -articles of various kinds, such as pieces of cloth, paper, etc., -fluttering about him, as he will not then be likely to take fright -should any part of the rider's costume become disarranged and blow about -him. - -He should also be so trained that he will not mind having the saddle -moved from side to side on his back. The best of riders may have her -saddle turn, and if the horse be thus trained he will neither kick nor -run away should such an accident occur. - -It is also very important that the horse should be taught to stop, -and stand as firm as a rock at the word of command given in a low, -firm tone. This habit is not only important in mounting and -dismounting,--feats which it is difficult, if not impossible, for the -lady to perform unless the horse be perfectly still,--but the rider -will also find this prompt obedience of great assistance in checking -her horse when he becomes frightened and tries to break away; for he -will stop instinctively when he hears the familiar order given in the -voice to which he is accustomed. - -A lady should not fail to visit her horse's stable from time to time, in -order to assure herself that he is well treated and properly cared for -by the groom. Viciousness and restlessness on the road can often be -traced to annoyances and ill-treatment in the stable. Grooms and stable -boys sometimes like to see the horse kick out and attempt to bite, and -will while away their idle hours in harassing him, tickling his ears -with straws, or touching him up with the whip in order to make him -prance and strike out. The result of these annoyances will be that, if -the lady during her ride accidentally touches her horse with the whip, -he will begin prancing and kicking; or, if it is summer time, the gnats -and flies swarming about his ears will make him unmanageable. In the -latter case, ear-tips will only make the matter worse, especially if -they have dangling tassels. When such signs of nervousness are -noticeable, especially in a horse that has been hitherto gentle, they -may usually be attributed to the treatment of the groom or his -assistants. - -Most grooms delight in currying their charges with combs having teeth -like small spikes and in laying on the polishing brush with a hand as -heavy as the blows of misfortune. Some animals, it is true, like this -kind of rubbing, but there are many, who have thin, delicate skins, to -whom such treatment is almost unmitigated torture. Should the lady hear -any contest going on between the horse and groom during the former's -morning toilette, she should order a blunt curry-comb to be used; or -even dispense with a comb altogether, and let the brush only be applied -with a light hand. Grooms sometimes take pleasure in throwing cold water -over their horses. In very warm weather, and when the animal is not -overheated, this treatment may prove refreshing to him, but, as a -general rule it is objectionable, as it is apt to occasion a sudden -chill which may result in serious consequences. - -The stable man may grumble at the lady's interference and supervision, -but she must not allow this to prevent her from attending carefully to -the welfare of the animal whose faithful services contribute so largely -to her pleasure. When she buys a horse she introduces a new member into -her household, who should be as well looked after and cared for as any -other faithful servant or friend. Indeed, the horse is the more -entitled to consideration in that he is entirely helpless, and his lot -for good or evil lies wholly in her power. If the mistress is careless -or neglects her duty, the servants in whose charge the horse is placed -will be very apt to follow her example, and the poor animal will suffer -accordingly. - -Perhaps the lady, however, may object to entering the stable, and agree -with the groom in thinking it "no place for a woman." Or she may fear -that in carrying out the ideas suggested above she will expose herself -to the ridicule of thoughtless acquaintances who can never do anything -until it has received the sanction of fashion. - -For the benefit of this fastidious individual and her timid friends we -will quote the example of the Empress of Austria, who, although -occupying an exalted position at a court where etiquette is carried to -the extremes of formality, yet does not hesitate to visit the stable of -her favorite steeds and personally to supervise their welfare; and woe -to the perverse groom who in the least particular disobeys her commands. - -Many other examples might be given of high-born ladies, such as Queen -Victoria, the Princess of Wales, the Princess of Prussia, and others, -who do not seem to consider it at all unfeminine or coarse for a woman -to give some personal care and supervision to her horses. But to enter -into more details would prove tiresome, and the example given is enough -to silence the scruples of the followers of fashion. - -Like all herbivorous creatures that love to roam in herds, the horse is -naturally of a restless temperament. Activity is the delight of his -existence, and when left to nature and a free life he is seldom quiet. -Man takes this creature of buoyant nature from the freedom of its -natural life, and confines the active body in a prison house where its -movements are even more circumscribed than are those of the wild beasts -in the menagerie; they can at least turn around and walk from side to -side in their cages, but the horse in his narrow stall is able only to -move his head from side to side, to paw a little with his fore-feet, and -to move backwards and forwards a short distance, varying with the length -of his halter; when he lies down to sleep he is compelled to keep in one -position, and runs the risk of meeting with some serious accident. In -some stables where the grooms delight in general stagnation, the horses -under their charge are not allowed to indulge in even the smallest -liberty. The slightest movement is punished by the lash of these -silence-loving tyrants, in whose opinion the horse has enough occupation -and excitement in gazing at the blank boards directly in front of his -head. If these boards should happen to be whitewashed, as is often the -case in the country, constant gazing at them will be almost sure to give -rise to shying, or even to occasion blindness. If the reader will, for -several minutes, gaze steadily at a white wall, she will he able to get -some idea of the poor horse's sensations. - -Is it then to be wondered at, that an animal of an excitable nature like -the horse should, when released from the oppressive quiescence of his -prison-house, act as if bereft of reason, and perform strange antics and -caperings in his insane delight at once more breathing the fresh air, -and seeing the outside world. But, while the horse is thus expressing -his pleasure and recovering the use of limbs by vigorous kicks, or is -expending his superfluous energy by bounding out of the road at every -strange object he encounters, the saddle will be neither a safe nor -pleasant place for the lady rider. To avoid such danger, and to -compensate, in some degree, the liberty-loving animal for depriving him -of his natural life and placing him in bondage, he should be given, -instead of the usual narrow stall, a box stall, measuring about sixteen -or eighteen feet square. In this box the horse should be left entirely -free, without even a halter, as this appendage has sometimes been the -cause of fearful accidents, by becoming entangled with the horse's feet. - -The groom may grumble again at this innovation, because a box stall -means more work for him, but if he really cares for the horses under his -charge he will soon become reconciled to the small amount of extra work -required by the use of a box stall. Every one who knows anything about a -horse in the stable is well aware of the injury done to this animal's -feet and limbs by compelling him to stand always confined to one spot in -a narrow stall. A box will prevent the occurrence of these injuries, -besides giving the horse a little freedom and enabling him to get more -rest and benefit from his sleep. - -Some horses are fond of looking through a window or over a half door. -The glimpse they thus get of the outside life seems to amuse and -interest them, and it can do no harm to gratify this desire. Others, -however, seem to be worried and excited by such outlooks; they become -restless and even make attempts to leap over the half door or through -the window. In such cases there should, of course, be no out-of-door -scenery visible from the box. - -The groom should exercise the horse daily, in a gentle and regular -manner; an hour or two of walking, varied occasionally by a short trot, -will generally be found sufficient. Being self-taught in the art of -riding, grooms nearly always have a very heavy bridle hand, and, if -allowed to use the curb bit, will soon destroy that sensitiveness of the -horse's mouth which adds so much to the pleasure of riding him. The man -who exercises the horse should not be permitted to wear spurs; a lady's -horse should be guided wholly by the whip and reins,--as will be -explained hereafter,--and in no case whatever should the spur be used. -If the lady wishes to keep her horse in good health and temper she must -insist upon his being exercised regularly, and must assure herself that -the groom executes her orders faithfully; for some men, while professing -to obey, have been known to stop at the nearest public house, and, after -spending an hour or two in drinking beer and gossiping with -acquaintances, to ride back complacently to the stable, leaving the -horse to suffer from want of exercise. Other grooms have gone to the -opposite extreme, and have ridden so hard and fast that the horse on -his return was completely tired out, so that when there was occasion to -use him the same day it was an effort for him to maintain his usual -light gait. Grooms who are always doctoring a horse, giving him nostrums -that do no good but often much harm, are also to be avoided. In short, -the owner of a horse must be prepared for tricks of all kinds on the -part of these stable servants; although, in justice to them, it must be -said that there are many who endeavor to perform all their duties -faithfully, and can be relied on to treat with kindness any animals -committed to their care. - -Should the lady rider be obliged to get her horse from a livery stable, -she should not rely entirely upon what his owner says of his gaits or -gentleness, but should have him tried carefully by some friend or -servant, before herself attempting to mount him. She should also be very -careful to see, or have her escort see, that the saddle is properly -placed upon the back of the horse and firmly girthed, so that there may -be no danger of its turning. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE RIDING HABIT. - - "Her dress, her shape, her matchless grace, - Were all observed, as well as heavenly face." - - DRYDEN. - - -A riding habit should be distinguished by its perfect simplicity. All -attempts at display, such as feathers, ribbons, glaring gilt buttons, -and sparkling jet, should be carefully avoided, and the dress should be -noticeable only for the fineness of its material and the elegance of its -fit. - -One of the first requirements in a riding dress is that it should fit -smoothly and easily. The sleeves should be rather loose, especially near -the arm-holes, so that the arms may move freely; but should fit closely -enough at the wrist to allow long gauntlet gloves to pass readily over -them. It is essential that ample room should be allowed across the -chest, as the shoulders are thrown somewhat back in riding, and the -chest is, consequently, expanded. The neck of the dress should fit very -easily, especially at the back part. Care must be taken not to make the -waist too long, for, owing to a lady's position in the saddle, the -movements of her horse will soon make a long waist wrinkle and look -inelegant. To secure ease, together with a perfect fit without crease or -fold, will be somewhat difficult, but not impossible. Some tailors, -particularly in New York, Philadelphia, London, and Paris, make a -specialty of ladies' riding costumes, and can generally be relied on to -supply comfortable and elegant habits. - -The favorite and most appropriate style of =riding jacket= is the -"postilion basque;" this should be cut short over the hips, and is then -especially becoming to a plump person, as it diminishes the apparent -width of the back below the waist. The front should have two small -darts, and should extend about three inches below the waist; it should -then slope gradually up to the hips,--where it must be shortest,--and -then downward so as to form a short, square coat-flap at the back, below -the waist. This flap must be made without gathers or plaits, and lined -with silk, between which and the cloth some stiffening material should -be inserted. The middle seam of the coat-flap should be left open as far -as the waist, where about one inch of it must be lapped over from left -to right; the short side-form on each side must be lapped a little -toward the central unclosed seam. The arm-holes should be cut rather -high on the shoulders, so that the back may look less broad. If the lady -lacks plumpness and roundness, her jacket must be made double-breasted, -or else have padding placed across the bust, for a hollow chest mars all -the beauty of the figure in the saddle, and causes the rider to look -round-shouldered. The edge of the basque should be trimmed with -cord-braid, and the front fastened with crocheted bullet buttons; -similar buttons should be used to fasten the sleeves closely at the -wrist, and two more should be placed on the back of the basque just at -its waist line. - -Great care must be taken to have the jacket well lined and its seams -strongly sewed. The coat-flaps on the back of the basque, below the -waist-line, should be held down by heavy metallic buttons, sewed -underneath each flap at its lower part, and covered with the same -material as that of the dress. Without these weights this part of the -dress will be apt to be blown out of position by every passing breeze, -and will bob up and down with every motion of the rider's body, -presenting a most ridiculous appearance. - -For winter riding an extra jacket may be worn over the riding basque. It -should be made of some heavy, warm material, and fit half tightly. If -trimmed with good fur, this jacket makes a very handsome addition to the -riding habit. - -Poets have expatiated upon the grace and beauty of the long, flowing -riding skirt, with its ample folds, but experience has taught that this -long skirt, though, perhaps, very poetical, is practically not only -inconvenient but positively dangerous. In the canter or gallop the horse -is very apt to entangle his hind-foot in it and be thrown, when the -rider may consider herself fortunate if she escapes with no worse -accident than a torn skirt. Another objection to this poetical skirt is, -that it gathers up the mud and dust of the road, and soon presents a -most untidy appearance; while if the day be fresh and breezy its ample -folds will stream out like a victorious banner; if made of some light -material the breeze will swell it out like an inflated balloon; and if -of heavy cloth its length will envelop the rider's feet, and make her -look as if tied in a bag. - -To avoid all these dangers and inconveniences the =riding skirt= should -be cut rather short and narrow, and be made of some heavy material. Two -yards and a quarter will be quite wide enough for the bottom of the -skirt, while the length need be only about twelve inches more than the -rider's ordinary dress. The skirt should be so gored as to form no -gathers or plaits at the waist. Tailor-made skirts are so neatly gored -as to remain perfectly smooth when the rider is seated in the saddle. As -the pommels take up a good deal of room, the front part of the skirt, -which passes over them, should be made a little longer than the back, so -that, when the rider is seated in the saddle, her dress may hang evenly. -If made the same length all around it will, when the lady is mounted, be -entirely too short in front, and, besides presenting an uneven, -trail-like appearance, will be apt to work back, or to blow up and -expose the right foot of the wearer. - -The bottom of the skirt should have a hem about three inches wide, but -should never be faced with leather, as this will give a stiff, bungling -effect, and if the rider should be thrown, and catch the hem of her -skirt on either pommel or stirrup, the strength of the leather lining -would prevent the cloth from tearing and thus releasing her. Shot, -pieces of lead, or other hard substances are also objectionable, because -by striking against the horse's side they often cause him to become -restless or even to run away. To keep the skirt down in its proper -position a loop of stout elastic, or tape, should be fastened -underneath, near the bottom, and through this loop the foot should be -passed before being put into the stirrup. The point where the loop -should be fastened must be determined by the position of the lady's foot -when she is correctly seated in the saddle. Some riders use a second -elastic for the right foot, to prevent the skirt from slipping back, but -this is not absolutely necessary. - -The basque and skirt should be made separate, although it is a very good -plan to have strong hooks and eyes to fasten them together at the sides -and back, as this will prevent the skirt from turning, or slipping down -below the waist, should the binding be a little too loose. The -placket-hole should be on the left side and should be buttoned over, to -prevent it from gaping open; it must be only just large enough to allow -the skirt to slip readily over the shoulders. - -The best material for a riding habit is broadcloth, or any strong, soft -fabric that will adapt itself readily to the figure. The color is, of -course, a matter of taste. Black is always stylish, and is particularly -becoming to a stout person. Dark blue, hunter's green, and dark brown -are also becoming colors, especially for slender, youthful figures. In -the country, a linen jacket may be worn in warm weather, and will be -found a very agreeable substitute for the cloth basque, but the skirt -should never be made of so thin a material, as it will be too light to -hang well and too slippery to sit upon. - -To secure ease and freedom in the saddle, a garment closely resembling a -pair of =pantaloons= will have to be worn under the riding skirt, and be -fastened down securely by means of strong leather or rubber straps, -which pass under the foot and are buttoned to the bottom of the -pantaloons. These pantaloons should be made of some soft cloth the color -of the dress, or else of chamois skin, faced up to the knee with cloth -like that of the skirt. Most people prefer the chamois skin for winter -use, as it is very warm and so soft that it prevents much of the chafing -usually occasioned by the rubbing of the right leg on the pommel. - -No under =petticoats= are necessary where the pantaloons are used, but -if the rider wear one, it should be of some dark color that will not -attract attention if the riding skirt be blown back. Black silk will be -an excellent material for such a skirt in summer, something warmer being -used in winter. This skirt should have no folds or gathers in it, but if -the rider be very thin a little padding around the hips and over the -back will give her the desired effect of plumpness. - -An important article of every-day wear will have to be discarded and a -=riding-habit shirt= used in its place. This shirt must be made short, -that the rider may not have to sit upon its folds and wrinkles, which -she would find very uncomfortable. The collar should be high and -standing, _a la militaire_, and made of the finest, whitest linen; it -should be sewed to the shirt for greater security, and should just be -seen above the high collar band of the basque. - -The =drawers= must also be made very much like those of a gentleman, and -the lower parts be tucked under the hose. The garters should be rather -loose, or elastic. - -Buttoned boots, or those with elastic sides, should not be worn when -riding. For summer use, the shoe laced at the side, and having a low, -broad heel, is liked by many. The ladies' Wellington boot, reaching -nearly to the knee, is also a favorite with some, and, when made without -any seam in front, prevents the stirrup-iron from chafing the instep. To -be comfortable, it should have a broad sole and be made a little longer -than the foot. This boot, however, gives the wearer rather an Amazonian -appearance, and has also the great disadvantage of being very difficult -to get off, the lady usually being obliged to appropriate the -gentleman's bootjack for the purpose. The =best boot= for riding -purposes, found to be the most comfortable, and one easy to get on and -off, is made of some light leather, or kid, for summer use, and of -heavier leather for winter; it extends half way to the knee, laces up in -front, has broad, low heels and wide soles, and is made a little longer -than the wearer's foot, so that it may be perfectly easy, as a tight -boot in riding is even more distressing than in walking. - -The =corset= is indispensable to the elegant fit required in a riding -habit, but should never be laced tight. It should be short on the sides -and in the front and back. If long in front it will be almost impossible -for the rider to pass her knee over the second pommel when she attempts -to mount her horse, and will cause her, when riding, to incline her body -too far back; when long at the sides it will be even more inconvenient, -for, if at all tight, it will make the rider, when in the saddle, feel -as if her hips were compressed in a vise; when too long behind, it will -interfere with that curving or hollowing in of the back that is so -necessary to an erect position; it will also tend to throw the body too -far forward. If the rider have any tendency to stoutness all these -discomforts will be exaggerated. The C. P. or the Parisian _la Sirene_ -is undoubtedly the best corset for riding purposes, for it is short, -light, and flexible, and not prejudicial to the ease and elegance of -good riding, as is the case with the stiff, long-bodied corset. - -The =hair= should be so arranged that it cannot possibly come down -during the ride. To effect this, it must be made into one long braid, -which must be coiled upon the back of the head, and fastened firmly, but -not too tightly, by means of a few long hairpins. The coil may be put on -the top of the head, but this arrangement will be found very -inconvenient, especially where the hair is thick, for it will make the -hat sit very awkwardly on the head. The hair should never be worn in -ringlets, as these will be blown about by the wind, or by the movements -of the rider, and will soon become so tangled as to look like anything -but the "smooth flowing ringlets" of the poet. Nor should the hair be -allowed to stream down the back in long peasant-braids, a style -mistakenly adopted by some young misses, but which gives the rider a -wild and untidy appearance. When the horse is in motion these braids -will stream out on the breeze, and an observer at a short distance will -be puzzled to know what it is that seems to be in such an extraordinary -state of agitation. It is also a mistake to draw the hair back tightly -from the forehead, as this gives a constrained look to the features; it -should, on the contrary, be arranged in rather a loose, unstudied -manner, which will tend to soften the expression of the face. It is the -extreme of bad taste to bang or frizz the hair across the forehead, or -to wear the hat somewhat on the back of the head. These things are -sometimes done by very young girls, but give to the prettiest and most -modest face an air of boldness and vulgarity. - -The =riding hat= at present fashionable, and most suitable for city or -park, is made of black silk plush with a Stanley curved brim, and -bell-crown, and is trimmed with a narrow band around the crown, directly -above the brim. Another favorite is a jockey-cap, made of the same cloth -as that of the habit. Either of these may be obtained at the hat stores. -For riding in the country, where one does not care to be so dressy, the -English Derby, or some other fashionable style of young gentleman's felt -hat, may be used; with a short plume or bird's wing fastened at the -side, a hat of this description has a very charming and coquettish air. -There is another style of silk hat manufactured expressly for ladies, -which may also be obtained at any hatter's; it has a lower crown than a -gentleman's silk hat, and looks very pretty with a short black net-veil -fastened around the crown, as this relieves the stiff look it otherwise -presents. This style of hat is very appropriate for a middle-aged -person. Care must be taken to have the hat neither too loose nor too -tight; if too tight, it will be apt to occasion a headache, and if too -loose will be easily displaced. - -Long veils, long plumes, hats with very broad brims, or very high -crowns, as well as those which are worn perched on the top of the head, -should be especially avoided. The hat must always be made secure on the -head by means of stout elastic sewn on strongly, and so adjusted that it -can pass below the braid or coil of hair at the back of the head. An -ordinary back-comb firmly fastened on the top of the head will prevent -the hat from gradually slipping backwards. - -These apparently trifling details must be attended to, or some prankish -breeze will suddenly carry off the rider's hat, and she will be -subjected to the mortification of having it handed back to her, with an -ill-concealed smile, by some obliging pedestrian. Many little -particulars which seem insignificant when in the dressing-room will -become causes of much discomfort and suffering when in the saddle. The -pleasure of many a ride has been marred by a displaced pin, a lost -button, too tight a garter, a glove that cramped the hand, or a ring -that occasioned swelling and pain in the finger. These details, -unimportant as they may seem, must be carefully attended to before -starting for a ride. Pins should be used sparingly. If a watch is worn, -it should be well secured in its pocket, and the chain carefully -fastened to a button of the jacket. - -The =riding gauntlets= should be made of thick, soft, undressed kid, or -chamois skin, be long wristed, and somewhat loose across the hands, so -that the reins may be firmly grasped. With the exception of the watch, -the chain of which should be as unostentatious as possible, it will not -be in good taste to wear jewelry. A cravat or small bow of ribbon will -be in much better taste than a breast-pin for fastening the collar, and -may be of any color that suits the fancy or complexion of the wearer. -The costume may be much brightened by a small _boutonniere_ of natural -flowers; these placed at the throat or waist in an apparently careless -manner give an air of daintiness and refinement to the whole costume. - -There is one accomplishment often neglected, or overlooked, even by the -most skillful lady riders, and that is, expertness in =holding the -riding skirt= easily and gracefully when not in the saddle. In this -attainment the Parisian horsewoman far excels all others; her manner of -gathering up the folds of her riding skirt, while waiting for her horse, -forms a picture of such unaffected elegance, that it would be well for -other riders to study and imitate it. She does not grab her skirt with -one hand, twist it round to one side, allow it to trail upon the ground, -nor does she collect the folds in one unwieldy bunch and throw it -brusquely over her arm. Instead of any of these ungraceful acts, she -quietly extends her arms down to their full length at her sides, -inclines her body slightly forward, and gathers up the front of her -skirt, raising her hands just far enough to allow the long part in front -and at the sides to escape the ground; then by bringing her hands -slightly forward, one being held a little higher than the other, the -back part of the skirt is raised. While accomplishing these movements -her whip will be held carelessly in her right hand, at a very short -distance below the handle, the point being directed downwards, and -somewhat obliquely backwards. The whole of this graceful manoeuvring -will be effected readily and artlessly, in an apparently unstudied -manner. In reality, however, all the Parisian's ease and grace are the -results of careful training, but so perfect is the instruction that art -is made to appear like nature. - -In selecting a =riding whip= care should be taken to secure one that is -straight and stiff; if it be curved, it may accidentally touch the horse -and make him restless; if flexible it will be of no use in managing him. -The handle of the whip may be very plain, or the lady may indulge her -taste for the ornamental by having it very elaborate and rich, but she -should be careful never to sacrifice strength to appearances. Any -projecting points that might catch on the dress and tear it must be -dispensed with. That the whip may not be lost if the hand should -unwittingly lose its hold upon it, a loop of silk cord should be -fastened firmly to the handle, and the hand passed through this loop. -When riding, the whip should always be held in the right hand with a -grasp sufficient to retain it, but not as if in a vise; the point should -be directed downward, or toward the hind-leg of the horse, care being -taken not to touch him with it except when necessary. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE. - - "Form by mild bits his mouth, nor harshly wound, - Till summer rolls her fourth-revolving round. - Then wheel in graceful orbs his paced career, - Let step by step in cadence strike the ear, - The flexile limbs in curves alternate prance, - And seem to labor as they slow advance: - Then give, uncheck'd, to fly with loosen'd rein, - Challenge the winds, and wing th' unprinted plain." - - VIRGIL, _Sotheby's Translation_. - - -In ye ancient times, the damsel who wished to enjoy horseback riding did -not, like her successor of to-day, trust to her own ability to ride and -manage her horse, but, seated upon a pad or cushion, called a "pillion," -which was fastened behind a man's saddle, rode without a stirrup and -without troubling herself with the reins, preserving her balance by -holding to the belt of a trusty page, or masculine admirer, whose duty -it was to attend to the management of the horse. We learn that as late -as A. D. 1700, George III. made his entry into London with his wife, -Charlotte, thus seated behind him. Gradually, however, as women became -more confident, they rode alone upon a sort of side-saddle, on which by -means of the reins and by bracing her feet against a board, called a -"planchette," which was fastened to the front of the saddle, the rider -managed to keep her seat. Such was the English horsewoman of the -seventeenth century, in the time of Charles II.,--"the height of fashion -and the cream of style." - -To the much quoted "vanity of the fair sex" do we owe the invention of -the side-saddle of our grandmothers. About the middle of the sixteenth -century Catherine de Medici, wife of Henry II. of France, having a very -symmetrical figure which she wished to display to advantage, invented -the second pommel of the saddle, and thus, while gratifying her own -vanity, was unconsciously the means of greatly benefiting her sex by -enabling them to ride with more ease and freedom. To this saddle there -was added, about 1830, a third pommel, the invention of which is due to -the late M. Pellier, Sr., an eminent riding teacher in Paris, France. -This three-pommeled saddle is now called the =English saddle=, and is -the one generally used by the best lady riders of the present day. - -This so-called "English saddle" was promptly appreciated, and wherever -introduced soon supplanted the old-fashioned one with only two pommels. -(Fig. 7.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 7.--English Saddle. - -1, second pommel; 2, third pommel; 3, shield; 4, saddle-flap; 5, cantle; -6, stirrup-leather; 7, stirrup; 8, girths; 9, platform.] - -A lady who has once ridden one of these three-pommeled saddles will -never care to use any other kind. It renders horseback riding almost -perfectly safe, for, if the rider has learned to use it properly, it -will be nearly impossible for a horse to throw her. It gives her a much -firmer seat even than that of a gentleman in his saddle, and at the same -time, if rightly used, does not interfere with that easy grace so -essential to good riding. In many of our large cities where this saddle -is employed twenty lady riders may now be seen in the park or on the -road where formerly there was one; and this is wholly due to the sense -of security it gives, especially to a timid rider, a feeling never -attainable in the two-pommeled saddle, where the seat is maintained -chiefly by the balance, or by using the reins as a means of support. - -By sitting erect, taking a firm hold upon the second pommel with the -right knee, and pressing the left knee up against the third pommel, a -perfectly secure seat is obtained, from which the rider cannot be -shaken, provided the saddle is well girthed and the horse does not fall, -while her hands are left free to manage the reins, a very important -point where the horse is spirited or restless. To insure the greatest -safety and comfort for both horse and rider, it is very important that -the saddle should be accurately constructed. If possible, it should be -made especially for the horse that is to carry it, so that it may suit -his particular shape. If it does not fit him well, it will be likely to -turn, or may gall his back severely, and make him for a long time unfit -for service. It may even, in time, give rise to fistulous withers, will -certainly make the horse restless and uneasy on the road, and the pain -he suffers will interfere with the ease and harmony of his gaits. Many a -horse has been rendered unfit for a lady's use solely because the saddle -did not fit well. - -The under surface of the arch of the saddle-tree, in front, should never -come in contact with the animal's withers, nor should the points of the -saddle-tree be so tightly fitted as to interfere with the movements of -his shoulders. On the other hand, they should not be so far apart as to -allow the central furrowed line of the under surface of the saddle (the -chamber) to rest upon the animal's back. The saddle should be so fitted -and padded that this central chamber will lie directly over the spinal -column of the horse without touching it, while the padded surfaces, just -below the chamber, should rest closely on the sides of the back, and be -supported at as many points as is possible without making the animal -uncomfortable. - -When a horse has very high withers, a breast-plate, similar to that -employed in military service, may be used, to prevent the saddle from -slipping backwards. This contrivance consists of a piece of leather -passing round the neck like a collar, to the lowest part of which is -fastened a strap that passes between the fore-legs of the horse and is -attached to the saddle girth. Two other straps, one on each side, -connect the upper part of the collar piece with the upper part of the -saddle. The under strap should never be very loose, for should the -saddle slip back and this strap not be tight enough to hold down the -collar piece, the latter will be pulled up by the upper straps so as to -press against the windpipe of the horse and choke him. Should the horse -have low withers and a round, barrel-like body, false pannels or padded -pieces may be used; but an animal of this shape is not suitable for a -lady, for it will be almost impossible to keep the saddle from turning, -no matter how carefully it may be girthed. - -A sufficiently spacious seat or platform to the saddle is much more -comfortable for both horse and rider than a narrow one. It gives the -rider a firmer seat, and does not bring so much strain upon the girths. -This platform should also be made as nearly level as possible, and be -covered with quilted buckskin. Leather, now so often used for this -purpose, becomes after a time so slippery that it is difficult to retain -one's seat, and the pommels when covered with it are apt to chafe the -limbs severely. - -To secure a thoroughly comfortable saddle it is necessary that not only -the horse, but also the rider, should be measured for it; for a saddle -suitable for a slender person could hardly be used with any comfort by a -stout one, and it is almost as bad to have a saddle too large as too -small. Care must be taken to have sufficient length from the front of -the second pommel to the cantle. In the ready-made saddles this distance -is usually too short, and the rider is obliged to sit upon the back edge -of the seat, thereby injuring both herself and her horse. It is much -better to err in the other direction and have the seat too long rather -than too short. The third pommel should be so placed that it will just -span the knee when the stirrup-leather is of the right length. It should -be rather short, slightly curved, and blunt. If it be too long and have -too much of a curve, it will, in the English trot, interfere with the -free action of the rider's left leg, and if the horse should fall, it -would be almost impossible for her to disengage her leg and free herself -in time to escape injury. The third pommel must be so placed as not to -interfere with the position of the right leg when this is placed around -the second pommel with the right heel drawn backwards. To get the proper -proportions for her saddle, the lady must, when seated, take her measure -from the under side of the knee joint to the lower extremity of her -back, and also--to secure the proper width for the seat--from thigh to -thigh. If these two measurements are given to the saddle-maker he will, -if he understands his business, be able to construct the saddle -properly. - -The saddle recommended by the author, one which she has used for several -years, and still continues to use, is represented in Fig. 7. The third -pommel of this saddle is of medium size, and instead of being close to -the second one is placed a short distance below it, thus enabling the -rider to use a longer stirrup than she otherwise could; for if the two -pommels be very close together, the rider will be obliged to use a very -short stirrup in order to make this third pommel of any use. The -disadvantage of a short stirrup is that, in a long ride, it is apt to -occasion cramp in the left leg. It also interferes with an easy and -steady position in the saddle. But with a stirrup of the right length, -and the arrangement of the pommels such as we have described, a -steadiness is given to the left leg that can never be obtained with the -old-fashioned two-pommeled saddle. - -The third pommel must be screwed securely into the saddle-tree, and once -fixed in its proper place, should not again be moved, as if frequently -turned it will soon get loose, and the rider will not be able to rely -upon its assistance to retain her balance. It should be screwed into -place inversely, that is, instead of being turned to the right it must -be turned to the left, so that the pressure of the knee may make it -firmer and more secure, instead of loosening it, as would be the case if -it were screwed to the right. This pommel should be well padded, so that -the knee may not be bruised by it. - -The second pommel should also be well padded, and should always be -curved slightly so as to suit the form of the right leg. It must not be -so high as to render it difficult, in mounting and dismounting, to pass -the right knee over it. The off-pommel, since the English saddle has -come into vogue, has almost disappeared, being reduced to a mere vestige -of its former size. This is a great improvement to the rider's -appearance, as she now no longer has that confined, cribbed-up look -which the high pommeled saddle of twenty years ago gave her. - -The distance between the off-pommel and the second one should be adapted -to the size of the rider's leg, being wide enough to allow the leg to -rest easily between the two; but no wider than this, as too much space -will be apt to lead her to sit sideways upon the saddle. - -A saddle should be well padded, but not so much so as to lift the rider -too high above the horse's back. The shield in front should not press -upon the neck of the horse, but should barely touch it. The saddle flaps -must be well strapped down, for if they stand out stiffly, the correct -position of the stirrup leg will be interfered with. A side-saddle -should never be too light in weight, for this will make the back of the -horse sore, especially if he be ridden by a heavy woman. - -The tacks or nails in the under part of the saddle should be firmly -driven in, as they may otherwise become loose and either injure the -horse, or make him nervous and uneasy. To avoid trouble of this kind, -some people advocate the use of false pannels, which are fastened to the -saddle-tree by rods or loops, and can be removed and replaced at will. -It is said that by using them, the same saddle can be made to fit -different horses. The author has no personal knowledge of this -invention, but it has been strongly recommended to her by several -excellent horsemen. A felt or flannel saddle cloth, of the same color as -the rider's habit, should always be placed under the saddle, as it helps -to protect the horse's back, as well as to prevent the saddle from -getting soiled. - -Every finished side-saddle has three girths. Two of these are made of -felt cloth, or strong webbing, and are designed to fasten it firmly upon -the horse's back. The third one, made of leather, is intended to keep -the flaps down. There should always be, on each side, three straps -fastened to the saddle-tree under the leather flaps; upon two of these -the girths are to be buckled, while the third is an extra one, to be -used as a substitute in case of any accident to either of the others. -Between the outside leather flaps and the horse's body there should be -an under flap of flannel or cloth, which should be well padded on the -side next the horse, because, when tightly girthed, the girth-buckles -press directly upon the outside of this flap, and if its padding be -thin, or worn, the animal will suffer great pain. This is a cause of -restlessness which is seldom noticed, and many a horse has been thought -to be bad tempered when he was only wild with pain from the pressure of -the girth-buckles against his side. - -[Illustration: Fig. 8.--Stokes' mode of girthing the saddle.] - -The credit of introducing a new method of tightening girths belongs, so -far as we know, to Mr. Stokes, formerly a riding-teacher in Cincinnati. -This method enables one to girth the horse tightly, without using so -much muscular effort as is usually required, so that by its means, a -lady can, if she wish, saddle her own horse. (Fig. 8.) - -The following is a description of Mr. Stokes' manner of girthing: At the -end of each of the leather girth straps, which hang down between the -flaps on the off-side of the saddle, is fastened a strong iron buckle -without any tongue, but with a thin steel roller or revolving cylinder -on its lower edge. On the near side of the saddle the girths are -strapped in the usual manner, but, on the _outer_ end of each cloth -girth there is, in addition to an ordinary buckle, with a roller on the -upper side of it, a long strap, which is fastened to the under side of -the girth, the buckle being on the upper side. This strap, when the -saddle is girthed, is passed up through the tongueless buckle, moving -easily over the steel roller, and is then brought down to the buckle -with tongue on the end of the girth, and there fastened in the usual -manner. - -The slipper stirrup, when first introduced, was a great favorite, for in -addition to furnishing an excellent support, it was believed that it -would release the foot instantly should the rider be thrown. This latter -merit, however, it was found that it did not possess, as many severe -accidents occurred where this stirrup was used, especially with the -two-pommeled saddle. Instead of releasing the rider in these cases, as -it was supposed it would, the stirrup tilted up and held her foot so -firmly grasped that she was dragged some distance before she could be -released. This stirrup, therefore, gradually fell into disfavor, and is -now no longer used by the best riders. - -[Illustration: Fig. 9.--Victoria stirrup.] - -There are, at the present time, three kinds of stirrups which are -favorites among finished riders. The first is called the "Victoria" -because it is the one used by the Queen of England. (Fig. 9.) In this -stirrup the platform on which the foot rests is broad and comfortable, -and is slightly roughened to prevent the foot from slipping. A -spring-bar attachment (Fig. 10) is placed at the top of the -stirrup-leather under the saddle-flap, and at the end of this bar there -is a spring, so that, if the rider be thrown, the stirrup-leather -becomes instantly detached from the saddle. - -[Illustration: Fig. 10.--Spring-bar for stirrup leather.] - -The second variety of stirrup, known as "Lennan's safety stirrup," has -all the merit of the preceding one. If kept well oiled and free from -mud, it will release the foot at once, when an accident occurs. It may, -if desired, be accompanied by the spring-bar attachment, and thus -rendered doubly secure. (Fig. 11.) Some people, however, dislike the -spring-bar attachment, and prefer to rely entirely upon the spring of -the stirrup to release the foot. - -[Illustration: Fig. 11.--Lennan's safety stirrup.] - -The third stirrup, called "Latchford's safety stirrup," consists of a -stirrup within a stirrup, and is so arranged that, when a rider is -thrown, the inner stirrup springs open and releases the foot. (Fig. 12.) -Either of these stirrups can be procured in London, England, or from the -best saddle-makers in this country. - -[Illustration: Fig. 12.--Latchford's safety stirrup.] - -A =stirrup-iron= should never be made of cast metal, but invariably of -the best wrought steel: it should be adapted to the size of the rider's -foot, and should, if possible, have an instep pad at the top, while the -bottom platform, upon which the foot rests, should be broad, and -roughened on its upper surface. - -The =stirrup-leather= should be of the very best material, and should -have neither fissures nor cracks in any part of it. It is very important -to examine this leather frequently, and see that it is neither wearing -thin, nor breaking at its upper part at the bar, nor at the lower part -where it is fastened to the stirrup. - -A novel arrangement of the stirrup-leather, by means of the so-called -"balance-strap," has of late years been used by some riders. The stirrup -is, in this case, fastened to the balance-strap, which consists of a -single strap passing up through the ring-bar, and then brought down to -within two or three inches of the lower edge of the saddle-flap; here it -is passed through a slit in the flap, then carried under the horse to -the other side and buckled to another strap, which is fastened, for this -purpose, just below the off-pommel. By this arrangement the saddle-flaps -on both sides are held down, and the rider, without dismounting, can -change the length of her stirrup by merely tightening or loosening this -strap. Although highly recommended by some riders, this balance strap -has one objectionable feature, which is that, as the measurement of the -horse's girth is not constant during a long ride, it will be necessary -to tighten the strap frequently in order to keep the stirrup of the -proper length. The old way of fastening is much better, for too much -complication in the saddle and bridle is apt to annoy and confuse the -rider, especially if a novice. The =golden rule= in riding on horseback -is to have everything accurate, simple, safe, and made of the very best -material that can be procured. - -The =bridle= should be neatly and plainly made, with no large rosettes -at the sides, nor highly colored bands across the forehead. The reins -and the head-piece should never be made of rounded straps, but always -of flat ones, and should be of the best and strongest leather, -especially the reins. These should be carefully examined from time to -time, in order to be sure that there are no imperfections in them. Any -roughness or hardness is an indication of defectiveness, and may be -detected by dexterously passing the fingers to and fro over the flat -surfaces, which should be smooth, soft, and flexible. There can hardly -be too much care taken about this matter, for the snapping of a rein -always alarms a horse; and, feeling himself free from all control, he -will be almost certain to run away, while the rider, if she has no other -reins, will be powerless to protect herself, or to check him in his -purpose. - -=Martingales= are rarely used by riders, as they are troublesome, and -can very well be dispensed with, unless the horse has the disagreeable -trick of raising his head suddenly, from time to time, when a martingale -will become necessary in order to correct this fault. The French -martingale is the best. This consists of a single strap, fastened either -to the under part of a nose-band at its centre under the jaw, or by -branches to each side of the snaffle-bit at the corners of the horse's -mouth and then carried between the fore-legs and fastened to the girth. -When the horse raises his head too high this strap pulls upon the -nose-band, compresses his nostrils, interferes with his breathing, and -causes him to lower his head promptly. The horse should not be too much -confined by the martingale, for the object is simply to prevent him from -lifting his head too high, and all other ordinary movements should be -left free. - -[Illustration: Fig. 13.--Chifney bit.] - -Among the many =bits= which have been used, that known as the "Pelham" -has been highly praised, although, at the present time, it is almost, if -not entirely, out of use. It might, however, from the severity of its -curb prove of service in controlling a hard-mouthed horse, although such -a one should never be ridden by a lady. The Chifney bit is another very -severe one, and is very useful in managing a horse that pulls hard. But -if the animal have a tender mouth, this bit should be used with great -caution, and not at all by an inexperienced rider. (Fig. 13.) - -The bit known as the "snaffle," when made plain and not twisted, is the -mildest of all bits, and some horses will move readily only when this -is used, the curb instantly rousing their temper. Others, again, do best -with a combination of the curb and the snaffle, and although the former -may seldom require to be used, its mere presence in the mouth of the -horse will prove a sufficient check to prevent him from running away. -Most horses, however, especially those ridden by ladies, require a light -use of the curb to bring them to their best gait. - -[Illustration: Fig. 14.--The Combination Bit. - -_a_, _a_, rings fastened on each side to small bar, at right angles to -and directed backward of the cheek; _b_, _b_, rings for the curb-reins.] - -The bit used and recommended by many, but not by the author, is a curb -so arranged as to form a combination bit in one piece. It consists of a -curb (Fig. 14), to each side of which, at the angles of the horse's -mouth, a ring is attached, and to each of these rings is fastened a -rein. This gives a second pair of reins and converts the curb into a -kind of snaffle. In this way it answers the purpose of both curb and -snaffle without crowding the horse's mouth with two separate bits. - -If two bits should be used--the curb and bridoon--instead of the above -combination bit, the bridoon should be placed in the horse's mouth in -such a way as not to interfere with the action of the curb; it must, -therefore, be neither too thick nor too long, and so fitted into the -angles of the mouth as to neither wrinkle nor draw back the lips. - -The bit should always be made of the best steel, be well rounded, and -perfectly smooth. Above all it should be accurately fitted to the -horse's mouth: if it be too narrow it will compress his lips against the -bars of his mouth, and the pain thereby occasioned will render him very -restive. The mouth-piece should be just long enough to have the cheeks -of the bit fit closely to the outer surface of the lips without -compressing them, and must not be so long as to become displaced -obliquely when a rein is pulled. - -[Illustration: Fig. 15.--Dwyer's Curb-Bit. - -1, 1, upper bars or cheeks; 2, 2, lower bars; 3, the port; 4, 4, the -canons; 5, curb-chain; 6, curb-hook; 7, lip strap and ring; 8, 8, rein -rings; 9, 9, head stall rings.] - -According to Major Dwyer, who is a high authority on the subject of -bits,--and whose little work should be carefully studied by all -bit-makers,--it seems to be the general rule to have the lower bar or -cheek of the curb-bit twice as long as the upper one; but, as there is -no standard measure for the upper one the other is frequently made too -long. Major Dwyer states that the mouth-piece, for any horse of ordinary -size, should be one and three fourths inches for the upper bar, and -three and a half inches for the lower one. This makes five and one -fourth inches for the entire length of the two bars, from the point at -which the curb-hook acts above to that where the lower ring acts below. -(Fig. 15.) For ordinary ponies the upper bar may be one and a half -inches, and the lower one three, making a total length of four and a -half inches. - -Every lady rider should know that the longer the lower bar, the thinner -the mouth-piece, and the higher the "port," the more severe and painful -will be the action of the bit upon the horse's mouth. For a horse of -ordinary size, the width of the port should be one and one third inches; -for a pony, one inch. The height will vary according to the degree of -severity required. - -The curb-chain, for a horse that has a chin-groove of medium size, -should be about four fifths of an inch wide, as a chain that is rather -broad and flat is less painful for the horse than a thin, sharp one. If -the chin-groove be very narrow, a curb-chain of less width will have to -be used, and should be covered with cloth; or, instead of a chain, a -narrow strap of leather may be used, which should be kept soft and -pliable. The proper length for the curb-chain, not including the -curb-hooks, is about one fourth more than the width of the animal's -mouth. The hooks should be exactly alike, and about an inch and a -quarter long. - -Some horses are very expert in the trick of catching the cheek of the -bit between their teeth. To remedy this vice a lip-strap may be used; -but it will be found much better to have each cheek or bar bent into the -form of the letter S, remembering, however, that the measurement of the -length, referred to above, must in the case of curved bars be made in a -straight line. Sometimes the upper bar of the curb-bit will, on account -of the peculiar form of the horse's head, press against and gall his -cheeks. When this is noticed, most people change the bit, and get one -with a longer mouth-piece; but where the mouth-piece is of the same -length as the width of the mouth, the proper remedy for this difficulty -will be to have the upper bar bent out enough to free the cheeks from -its pressure. - -The curb-bit once made and properly adjusted to the head-stall, the next -step will be to =fit it accurately= to the horse's mouth. Every rider -should thoroughly understand not only how to do this, but also how to -place the saddle correctly upon the horse. Upon these points nearly all -grooms require instruction, and very few gentlemen, even, know how to -arrange a side-saddle so as to have it comfortable for both horse and -rider. Moreover, should the lady be riding alone, as frequently happens -in the country, and meet with any accident to saddle or bridle, or need -to have either adjusted, she would, without knowledge on these subjects, -be completely helpless, whereas with it she could promptly remedy the -difficulty. - -[Illustration: Fig. 16.--The Bit adjusted. - -1, 1, snaffle-rein; 2, 2, curb-rein.] - -In order to adjust the bit permanently to the head-stall, so that -afterwards the horse can always be properly bridled, one must proceed -as follows: having first fitted the head-stall to the horse's head by -means of the upper buckles, the bit must then be adjusted, by means of -the lower ones, in such a manner that the canons of the mouth-piece -will rest on the bars of the horse's mouth, exactly opposite the -chin-groove. (Fig. 16.) Should the tusks of the horse be irregularly -placed, the mouth-piece must be adjusted a little higher than the -projecting tusks, so as to just avoid touching them. The curb-chain -may now be hooked into the ring of the upper bar on the off-side, -leaving one link loose, after which the other hook must be fastened to -the ring of the bar on the near-side, leaving two links loose. Care -should be taken to have the curb-chain rest with its flat surface -against the chin-groove in such a way that it will have no tendency to -rise up when the reins are pulled upon. The curb-chain should never be -tight; there must always be room enough between it and the chin to -insert the first and second fingers of the right hand flatwise; and, -while the fingers are thus placed, if the reins are drawn up, it will -be easy to ascertain whether the chain pinches. If, when the reins are -tightened, the bit stands stiff and immovable, it will show that the -chain is too short and needs to be lengthened a link or two. If the -horse gently yields his head to the tightening of the reins, without -suddenly drawing back, or thrusting out his nose as the tension is -increased, it will prove that the bit is correctly placed. But if the -lower bars of the bit can be drawn back quite a distance before the -horse will yield to the pull of the reins, then the chain is too long, -and should be shortened. "Lightness, accuracy, easy motion, a total -absence of stiffness, constraint, or painful action, are the -characteristics of good bitting; and if these be attained, ready -obedience to the rider's hand will be the result."--_F. Dwyer._ - -When the bit has once been correctly adjusted to the head-stall and to -the horse's mouth, there will be little difficulty in bridling him upon -any subsequent occasion. Thus: standing at the left of the horse's head, -the head-stall, held by its upper part in the right hand, should be -lifted up in front of the horse's head, while the left hand, holding the -bit by its mouth-piece, should put this between the animal's lips, press -it against his teeth, and into his mouth, which he will generally open -a little in order to admit it. As soon as this has been accomplished, -the upper part of the head-stall must be promptly raised so as to bring -its upper strap or band across the forehead, while at the same time the -horse's ears are passed between the forehead band and the strap which -forms the upper part of the head-stall. - -During these manoeuvres, the curb-chain must be passed under the chin, -so as to rest against the chin-groove, and care be taken to keep the -fingers of the left hand out of the horse's mouth while the mouth-piece -is being put in. The bit and head-stall having been properly arranged, -the whole should be secured by buckling the throat-strap loosely on the -left side. If this strap be buckled tightly, the horse will be unable to -bend his neck properly. The mouth-piece of the bit should be washed, -dried, and then rubbed with fresh olive or cotton-seed oil, each time -after use, to preserve it from rust. - -Neither a rusted bit nor a very cold one should ever be put into a -horse's mouth. In frosty winter weather the bit should always be warmed. -Many a valuable horse has had his mouth seriously injured by having an -icy cold mouth-piece put into it, to say nothing of the pain and -suffering it must invariably occasion. - -In order to produce a neat and pleasing appearance, there should be no -unsightly ends or straps left dangling from the loops of the head-stall. -They should be so snugly fitted into their places that they cannot work -out of their loops. - -The forehead band should never be too tight for the horse's comfort, and -the small rosettes that lie over his temples should be well oiled -underneath and kept soft. - -A side-saddle may be made accurately according to all recognized rules, -and yet lose nearly all its good effects by being improperly put on; the -rider will be made uncomfortable, the horse's back will be injured, and -the saddle will eventually have its padding so compressed in the wrong -direction that it will be impossible to put it on in the right way. - -Every lady rider should know as well how to have her saddle properly -adjusted as how to sit her horse or manage the reins. On a well-formed -horse, with rather high withers and sloping shoulders, the centre of the -saddle should be placed over the middle of the back, and be so arranged -that the front part of the saddle-tree shall be a very short distance -back of the horse's shoulder-blade, for if allowed to rest upon the -shoulder-blade it will interfere very much with the action of the -shoulder muscles. It is a common fault of grooms to place the saddle a -little sideways, and too far forward on the withers. The well-taught -rider can, however, easily decide whether the saddle is in the right -position: standing on the off-side of the horse, she must pass her right -hand under the arch of the saddle-tree, which should be directly over -the withers, and see whether it sits perfectly even, bearing no more to -one side than to the other; then stepping behind the horse, but at a -safe distance from his heels, she can see whether the long central -furrow of the under surface of the saddle-seat from front to rear -(chamber) is in a direct line with the animal's backbone, and forms an -open space over it. If these conditions are fulfilled, the saddle is -properly adjusted. If the horse have rather straight shoulders, together -with a plump, round body, the saddle will require to be placed rather -farther forward, but with the chamber still in a line with the backbone. -On some horses of this shape, the saddle, to be held securely, will need -to be set so far forward that the girths will have to pass close to the -fore-legs. A horse of this description is not suitable for the -side-saddle, but as ladies in the country and in the far West are -sometimes obliged to ride such, it is very important for their safety -to know how these ill-formed animals should be saddled, because should -the saddle be put too far back on such horses, it will be sure to turn. - -It not infrequently happens that after the saddle has been placed in the -correct position, it becomes slightly displaced while being fastened. To -avoid this, it should always be girthed on the off-side, and great care -be taken, when fastening the girths, especially the first one, that the -saddle be not jerked over to the left; and that in pulling upon the -short strap on the off-side, to which the girth is to be buckled, the -saddle be not forced to the right. - -When girthing the saddle, the lady may place her left hand on the middle -of the seat and hold it steady while she arranges the first girth, and -with her right hand draws it as tightly as she can, without using -violent exertion, or making any sudden jerk; she will then be able, with -both hands, to tighten the girth as much as is necessary, doing this -with an even, regular pull, so that the saddle will not be moved out of -place. Before fastening the other girths, she should step behind the -horse and assure herself that the chamber is in a line with the horse's -backbone, as before described. If it is not, she must loosen the girth, -and, after straightening the saddle, proceed as before. The girth to be -first fastened is the one nearest the horse's fore-legs; the second -girth is the one back of the first, and should be placed evenly over the -first one and fastened equally tight; the third is the leather girth -which is intended to keep down the saddle-flaps; this must be placed -evenly over the other two, but it is not essential to have it drawn so -tight as they, but just enough so to hold the flaps. Most horses have a -trick, when they are being girthed, of expanding their sides and -abdomen, for the purpose of securing a loose girthing; and girths that -seem almost too tight when they are first buckled are often found to be -too loose after the rider has mounted. Too tight a girth is injurious to -the horse, but too loose a one may cause the saddle to turn. A round, -plump horse with low withers will need tighter girthing than a better -shaped one. The lady rider should study the shape of her horse, and use -her own judgment as to how tight the girths should be drawn, making due -allowance for the trick alluded to above. If there is any second person -present while the saddle is being arranged, matters may be facilitated -if this person will hold the saddle firmly by the off-pommel while the -girthing is being done. - -The author has been thus particular in describing the bit and saddle -with their proper arrangement, as well as the girthing of the horse, -because so few lady riders bestow any attention upon these very -important matters; and yet, if one desires to ride safely and well, a -knowledge of them is positively necessary. Grooms cannot always be -depended upon, and, indeed, seldom know much about the side-saddle; -there is an adage which is applicable to many of them: "Too much must -not be expected from the head of him who labors only with his hands." In -the instructions given by gentlemen writers, useful as they may be in -many respects, there is usually a good deal of practical information -omitted which a lady rider ought to know, but the necessity of which it -is perhaps impossible for a gentleman fully to appreciate or understand; -this knowledge the lady will have to gain either from her own experience -or from one of her own sex who has studied the subject carefully. - -In preparing for horseback riding, nothing should be omitted that can -give greater security to the rider, or protect her more completely from -accident of any sort. Every article should be of the very best material, -so that a breakage or casualty of any kind may be only a remote -possibility. The knowledge that everything is right, and firmly and -properly placed, creates a confidence which adds greatly to the pleasure -of the ride. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. - - "'Stand, Bayard, stand!'--the steed obeyed, - With arching neck and bending head, - And glancing eye and quivering ear, - As if he loved _her voice_ to hear." - - _Lady of the Lake._ - - -A novice in riding always experiences in a greater or less degree a -sense of trepidation and embarrassment when, for the first time, a horse -duly caparisoned for a lady rider is put before her, and she is expected -to seat herself in the saddle. If she be a timid person, the apparent -difficulty of this feat occasions a dismay which the good-natured -champing of the bit and impatient head shakings of the horse do not tend -to diminish. If, however, she be accustomed to horses as pets, and -understand their ways, she will be much less apprehensive about mounting -than the lady who has only observed them at a distance and is entirely -ignorant of their nature. The author has known ladies, after their -horses had been brought to the door, to send them back to the stable -because courage failed them when it became necessary to trust -themselves on the back of an animal of which they knew nothing. To -overcome this timidity the lady must become better acquainted with her -horse, and, to do so, should visit him occasionally in his stable, feed -him with choice morsels, and lead him about the yard from time to time. -By these means a mutual friendship and confidence will be created, and -the lady will gradually gain enough courage to place herself in the -saddle. - -The first attempt at mounting should be made from a =high horse-block= -with some one to hold the head of the horse and keep him still. Turning -her right side somewhat toward the horse's left, and slightly raising -the skirt of her riding habit, the lady should spring from her left foot -towards the saddle, at the same time raising her right leg so that it -will pass directly over the second and third pommels. This accomplished, -the left foot may be placed in the stirrup. - -Another method of mounting from a rather high horse-block, when the -pommels are high, is for the lady to face the horse's left side, and, -seizing the off-pommel with the right hand and the second one with the -left, to spring towards the saddle from her left foot, and seat herself -sidewise. She can then turn her body so as to face the horse's head, -place her right leg over the second pommel,--adjusting her skirt at the -same time,--and slip her left foot into the stirrup and her left knee -under the third pommel. - -Should the =horse-block be low= and the lady short, she will be obliged -to mount somewhat after a man's fashion, thus: Placing her left foot in -the stirrup, and grasping the second pommel with her left hand, she -should spring from her right foot, and, as she rises, grasp the -off-pommel with her right hand; by means of this spring, aided by the -pommels and stirrup, she can seat herself sideways in the saddle, -turning her body for this purpose just before gaining the seat. In the -absence of a horse-block, from which to mount, the assistance of a chair -or stool should never be resorted to unless there is some one to hold it -firm and steady. - -When the rider is obliged to =mount= without assistance and =from the -ground=, if the balance-strap, before referred to, be used with her -stirrup, she can let this strap down far enough to enable her to put her -foot in the stirrup easily, and to use it as a sort of stepping-stone by -means of which, and a spring from her right foot, she can reach the -saddle sideways. In doing this she must grasp the second pommel firmly -with her left hand, in which she also should hold her whip and the -reins; on rising she must aid herself by grasping with the right hand -the off-pommel as soon as she can reach it. When she is seated, the -stirrup can be adjusted from the off-side by means of the balance-strap. - -If, however, she uses the old-fashioned stirrup-leather, and there is no -assistance of any kind at hand, neither horse-block, chair, nor stool, -not even a fence or steep bank from which to mount,--a situation in -which a rider might possibly be placed,--then reaching the saddle -becomes a very puzzling affair, unless the lady be so active that she -can spring from the ground to her saddle. To try the plan of lengthening -the stirrup-leather will be dangerous, because, in order to readjust it -after mounting, she will have to sit on the back part of the saddle, -bend over the horse's left side, and pull up the stirrup-leather in -order to shorten and buckle it; while in this position, if the horse -should start, she would probably be thrown instantly. Her safest course -would be to lead the horse until a place is found where she can mount. -If she should have to use a fence for this purpose let her be sure that -the posts are firmly fixed in the ground, and that the boards are -neither loose nor easily broken. - -When mounting, the whip and reins should be held in the left hand, the -former with the point down, so that it may not hit the horse, and the -latter grasped just tightly enough to feel the horse's mouth without -pulling on it. In order to arrange the folds of the riding skirt after -mounting, the reins and whip must be transferred to the right hand; -then, resting this hand upon the off-pommel, the rider should raise -herself free from the saddle by straightening her left knee and standing -on the stirrup, also aiding herself by means of the right hand on the -pommel. While thus standing she can quickly arrange the skirt with her -left hand. - -None of the methods of mounting just described--with the exception of -the first one--are at all graceful, and they should never be used except -in case of absolute necessity. The most graceful way for a lady to reach -the saddle, and the one that is taught in the best riding schools, is by -the =assistance of a gentleman=. The rider's education will not be -complete until she has learned this method of mounting, which, when -accomplished easily and gracefully, is delightful to witness. It should -be learned after the preliminary lessons at the horse-block have been -taken. In using this simple manner of reaching the saddle, the rider -will have three distinct points of support, namely, the shoulder of the -gentleman who assists her, the united palms of his hands, and her own -hold upon the pommel. - -[Illustration: Fig. 17.--Lady ready to mount her horse.] - -The stirrup having been placed across the shield of the saddle in front -of the pommels, the lady, holding the reins and the whip with its point -down in her right hand,--which must rest upon the second pommel,--should -stand with her right side toward the horse's left, about four or five -inches from it, her left shoulder being slightly turned back. Then, -taking a firm hold upon the second pommel with her right hand, she -should with the left lift her riding skirt enough to enable her to place -her left foot fairly and squarely into the gentleman's palms, which -should be clasped firmly together. This done, she should drop the skirt, -place her left hand upon his right shoulder, bend her knee, or give the -word "ready," as a signal, and at once spring from her right foot up and -a little towards the horse. The gentleman, at the same moment, must -raise his hands, and move them toward the horse. The lady must, when -rising, press or bear lightly upon his shoulder, and also keep a firm -hold upon the second pommel, which she must not relinquish until she is -seated. If correctly performed, this manoeuvre will place the rider in -the saddle sideways. The gentleman should then remove the stirrup from -the front of the saddle, while the lady transfers the reins to her left -hand, passes her right knee over the second pommel and her left under -the third. She will then be ready to have her foot placed in the -stirrup. (Fig. 17.) - -It will, however, be found very difficult to mount in this manner, -gracefully, unless the gentleman who assists thoroughly understands his -duties; should he be awkward about helping her, the lady will find it -much better to depend upon the horse-block. If, for instance, he should -raise his hands too high, or with too much energy, when she makes her -spring, he may push her too far over, or even--if she should loosen her -grasp of the second pommel,--cause her to fall from the off-side of the -horse. This is a dangerous accident, and almost certain to occasion -severe injuries. On the other hand, if he does not use energy enough, or -neglects to carry his hands toward the body of the horse as the lady -rises, she may not reach the saddle at all, and will he apt to fall to -the ground on the left side of the horse, especially if she relinquishes -her hold on the second pommel. The gentleman must also be careful not to -let his foot rest on the lady's skirt, as this will pull her back, and -perhaps tear the dress, as she makes her spring. - -In assisting a lady to mount, the =gentleman= should first arrange the -snaffle-reins evenly and of the proper length, and place them in her -right hand, leaving the curb-reins to lie loosely on the neck of the -horse. Then, after putting the stirrup out of the way, as described -above, he should take a position facing her, with his left shoulder -toward the left shoulder of the horse. Clasping his hands together with -the palms turned up, he should stoop sufficiently to enable her to put -her left foot upon them, and, in raising them as she springs, he must -gradually assume the erect posture. When the lady is seated, he should -return the stirrup to its proper position and place her foot in it, -after first, with his left hand, adjusting her skirt so that it will -fall evenly; he should then place the curb-reins in her left hand, with -the others. No gentleman is a finished equestrian, nor a desirable -companion for a lady on horseback, who does not know how to assist her -dexterously and gracefully to mount and dismount. - -A lady who is not very nimble in her movements, or who is very heavy, -should be extremely careful in mounting not to accept assistance from a -gentleman who is not strong enough to support her weight easily and -firmly. It will be much better for her to use a horse-block or something -of the kind. But if she does accept the aid of a gentleman, the -following changes in the methods described above have been recommended: -instead of facing her, he should stand close to her side, with his face -turned in the same direction as hers: she should then place her left -foot in his united hands, and in order to do so must pass her left leg -between his right arm and his body. He will thus be enabled to support -and lift her with greater ease, and, as she rises, her left leg will -readily escape from under his right arm, and she will be able to seat -herself sideways in the saddle, as by the former method. During this -manoeuvre she must sustain herself by the second pommel, as in the -preceding instance. - -If a horse is restless and uneasy when being mounted, he should be held -by a third person, who must stand in front of his head and take a firm -hold of the curb-bit on each side, but without touching the reins, which -should always be held and managed by the rider only. It is _always_ a -better plan, when mounting, to have the horse held, although a -well-trained horse will stand quietly without such control. - -Mounting is a part of the rider's education which should be carefully -studied and practiced, for when properly and gracefully accomplished it -is the very poetry of motion, and will enable her to display more -pliancy and lightness than she can even in the ball-room. There is -another branch of the rider's education which also requires careful -study, as it is rarely accomplished satisfactorily, and is apt to -occasion as much embarrassment and dismay to a beginner as mounting. -This is =dismounting=. To alight from a horse easily and well, without -disarranging the dress, and without being awkwardly precipitated into -the arms of the gentleman who assists, is by no means an easy task, and -very few lady riders accomplish it with skill and address. - -When assisting his companion from the saddle, the gentleman should stand -about a foot from her with his face toward the horse, while she, after -taking her foot from the stirrup and disengaging her right leg from the -pommel, must turn her body so as to face him. After putting the stirrup -over the shield of the saddle, as in mounting, he should then extend his -hands so as to support her by the elbows, while she rests a hand upon -each of his shoulders. Then, by giving a gentle spring, she will glide -lightly to the ground, he meanwhile supporting her with his hands, and, -as she descends, bending his body, and moving his right side slightly -backward. She can also assist him to lessen the shock as she touches the -ground by bending her knees a little, as if courtesying. - -Another way of assisting the lady, especially if she be rather stout and -not very active, is for the gentleman to clasp her waist with both -hands, instead of holding her by the elbows. He should, in this case, -stand as far from her as he can while still supporting her, and, as she -descends, should make a step backward with his right foot, and turn a -little away from the horse, which should be held by a third person, in -the manner described before, in mounting. - -[Illustration: Fig. 18.--Lady ready to dismount.] - -Another, and more graceful way of dismounting is the following: The -gentleman, standing about a foot from his companion and directly facing -her, takes in his left hand her bridle,--as near as he can to the -horse's mouth, that he may hold him as firmly and securely as -possible,--the lady now drops the reins on the horse's neck, disengages -her foot from the stirrup, and her leg from the second pommel, and then -seats herself sideways in the saddle, so as to face her assistant, who -now places the stirrup on the front of the saddle with his right hand; -he then offers his right shoulder to the lady for her support. She, -after gathering up in her left hand a few folds of her riding skirt, in -order to have her feet free when she alights, places upon his shoulder -the hand which holds the skirt, and with the other, in which she holds -her whip point downward, grasps the second pommel and springs lightly -from the saddle, the gentleman bending over a little as she descends. On -reaching the ground, she should, as before described, bend her knees -slightly to lessen the shock of the descent. (Fig. 18.) - -In all these modes of dismounting, the lady, before attempting to -alight, should be sure that her skirt is quite free from the pommels, -especially from the second one, and that it is so adjusted that it will -not be trodden upon when she reaches the ground, but will fall evenly -about her, without being in any way disarranged. - -It happens not infrequently that a lady is obliged to dismount without -=any one to assist her=, and in this case she should ride up to a -horse-block so as to bring the left side of her horse close to it, let -the curb reins fall upon his neck, retaining, however, the whip and -snaffle-reins in her left hand, and then, removing her foot from the -stirrup and her right leg from the pommel, she should seat herself a -little sideways upon the saddle. Now, with a slight turn of her -shoulders to the right, she should place her left hand--still holding -the whip and reins--upon the second pommel, and her right hand upon the -off one, and thus alight sideways with her face toward the horse's head. -In effecting this manoeuvre, she must be careful to retain her hold upon -the snaffle-reins and also upon the second pommel until she is safe upon -the horse-block; she must also remember the caution given before, in -regard to having her skirts free from the pommels. - -To =dismount upon the ground=, or upon a very low horse-block, =without= -assistance, is a difficult feat to execute gracefully, but some young -ladies in the country, who are active and light, accomplish it so easily -and quickly that they do not appear awkward. The manner in which this is -to be done is nearly the same as that just explained, the only -difference being, that the gliding down must be effected quickly and -lightly, and the rider, as she passes down, must release her hold upon -the off-pommel, but retain that upon the second, also taking care to -have the reins quite loose. This mode of alighting is, however, entirely -out of place except in the country, where assistance cannot always be -had readily, or in cases where the lady is obliged to dismount very -quickly. - -If the lady rider, after carefully studying these different methods of -mounting and dismounting with assistance, will select the one she thinks -suits her best, and then practice it a few times with her gentleman -escort, she will soon find herself able to perform with ease these -apparently difficult feats, and will have no need of resorting to a -horse-block, nor to some secluded spot, where she can mount or dismount -unobserved. A lady once told the author that the pleasure of her daily -ride was at one time almost spoiled by the knowledge that she must mount -and dismount in front of a hotel, the piazza of which was always crowded -with observers, for, not having been properly taught to execute these -manoeuvres, she was rather awkward at them. She, however, placed herself -under correct tuition, and soon overcame the difficulty. She can now -execute these movements with such grace and elegance as to fascinate -gentlemen, and excite the envy of rival belles who are still obliged to -seek the aid of a horse-block. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE SEAT ON HORSEBACK. - - "Bounded the fiery steed in air, - The rider sat erect and fair, - Then like a bolt from steel cross-bow - Forth launched, along the plain they go." - - _Lady of the Lake._ - - -A correct seat is very seldom attained by the self-taught lady rider, -for her attitude on the horse is so artificial that she cannot, like the -gentleman rider, whose seat is more easy and natural, fall directly into -the proper position. Competent instruction alone can enable her to gain -the safe and easy posture which will give the least possible fatigue to -herself and to her horse. It is true that a natural rider, or she who -professes to ride instinctively, may to-day accidentally assume the -proper position in the saddle, but, as she has no rule by which to guide -herself, and is entirely unacquainted with the "whys and wherefores" of -a correct seat, she will to-morrow assume the incorrect position, so -natural to a self-taught rider, and the pleasant ride of to-day will be -followed by a rough and unpleasant one to-morrow. On the one occasion, -the poor horse will receive much praise for his easy motion, and on the -next be highly censured for the roughness of his gait, for the lady will -not suspect that the real difficulty lies in her own ignorance of a -correct attitude, and in her bad management of the poor beast. - -Upon the position of the upper part of the body depends not only grace -and pliancy, and that harmony between horse and rider which is so highly -desirable and, indeed, necessary, but also the ability to manage the -reins properly; for, if the rider be not well balanced, her hands will -be unsteady, and seldom in the right position for controlling the -animal. - -But the proper position of the body above the saddle depends upon the -correct arrangement of the lower limbs; if they are not in the right -position, the rider will lean too far forward, or too far back, or too -much to one side or the other. She will also lose all firmness of seat, -and, consequently, all safety in riding. This faulty position of the -lower limbs has been, and still is, the occasion of much incorrect -riding, but is a point which is seldom regarded by the gentleman -teacher. He, indeed, cannot possibly know how the legs are arranged, -when they are covered by the riding skirt, and probably seldom gives -the subject any thought; yet he wonders, after carefully watching and -correcting the position of the body, why his pupil does not retain the -erect position as directed. A lady teacher of experience is, therefore, -much to be preferred to a gentleman, unless the lady pupil is willing to -wear, while taking her lessons, trousers similar to those worn during -calisthenic exercises. - -It sometimes happens that a lady, even after being carefully instructed -how to sit in the saddle, and when she seems to understand what is -necessary, will yet present a very erect but stiff appearance, as if she -were made of cast-iron, or some other unyielding material. This may be -due to nervousness, fear, tight-lacing, or affectation. Practice in -riding, loose corsets, and less affectation, will soon remedy this -stiffness. - -Another faulty position is one which may be termed "the dead weight -seat," which is only possible when riding on an English saddle. It -consists in sitting or bearing chiefly upon the left side of the saddle, -the right leg firmly grasping the second pommel, and the left leg -squeezed tightly between the stirrup and the third pommel, as if held in -a vise. In this position the rider will be fastened to her horse as -closely as if she were a package of merchandise strapped upon the back -of a pack-horse. She will appear indolent and inanimate, besides riding -heavily, and thus distressing and discouraging her horse; for a -well-trained horse will always prefer to keep in unison with the -movements of his rider, but will find it impossible to do so, when she -adopts this constrained, unyielding seat. The rider will also be made -miserable, for the constant effort to keep steady by a continuous -pressure of the left knee against the third pommel will not only prove -wearisome, but will be apt to bruise her knee, as well as strain the -muscles of the upper part of the leg, and the next day she will feel -very stiff and lame. In addition to which it will be impossible for her -to rise in the English trot, or to move her body to the right in the -gallop or canter when the horse leads with his left leg. Moreover, -should the lady who thus hangs upon the pommel be rather heavy, her -horse's back will be sure to receive more or less injury, no matter how -well the saddle may be made and padded. - -Although the second pommel should be firmly grasped by the right knee, -and the left knee be strongly pressed up against the third one, when the -horse is unruly or trying to unseat his rider, these supports should not -be habitually employed, but kept for critical situations, and even then -the body must be kept erect, yet flexible. A rider who depends entirely -upon the pommels to enable her to keep her seat is a bad rider, who will -soon acquire all kinds of awkward and ridiculous positions, and expose -herself to much severe criticism. - -The opposite of the "dead-weight seat" is what may be termed the -"wabbling seat." This is seen where the old-fashioned saddle is used; -the rider, instead of sitting firm and erect, bounds up and down like a -rubber ball tossed by an unseen hand. This can be remedied by the -substitution of the English saddle, whose third pommel, when used -judiciously and aided by a proper balance of the body, will give the -required firmness of seat, which should be neither too rigid nor too -yielding. - -[Illustration: Fig. 19.--Correct Seat for a Lady. Back View.] - -=The correct seat=, universally adopted by finished riders, is the -following: The lady should seat herself exactly on the centre of the -saddle, with her body erect, and her backbone in a direct line with that -of the horse, at a right angle with it. A spectator can readily tell -whether the rider is in the centre of the saddle by observing whether -the space between the buttons on the hind flaps of her riding-jacket -corresponds with the backbone of the horse, and also with the chamber of -the saddle. (Fig. 19.) Or the lady can herself decide the question by -placing her fingers between these two buttons, and then carrying the -former in a straight line directly down to the chamber of the saddle; if -these coincide, and if she has placed herself far enough back on the -saddle to be able to grasp the second pommel comfortably with her right -knee, while the left one is just spanned by the third pommel, then she -is in a position to ride with ease to herself and horse, for she now -sits upon that part of the animal which is the centre of motion in his -forward movement, and in this position can keep in unison with the -cadence of his various gaits. Again, her weight being exactly upon the -centre of motion, she can with difficulty be unseated or shaken off by -the most violent efforts of the horse, for, whether he springs suddenly -forward, or sideways, or whirls around, the rider is in a position at -once to anticipate his movement, to keep a firm seat, and quickly to -gain her balance. - -When the horse advances straight forward, the rider--sitting with head -erect and her body so placed that its entire front is directed toward -the horse's head, or, in other words, that _a straight line drawn from -one hip to the other would form a right angle with one drawn along the -centre of the horse's head and neck_--must throw her shoulders somewhat -back, so as to expand her chest, taking care, however, to keep the -shoulders in line, and not to elevate one more than the other. There -should also be, at the back of the waist, a slight inward bend which -will throw the front of the waist a little forward. The arms, from the -shoulders to the elbows, must hang perpendicularly, and the elbows be -held loosely but steadily and in an easy manner, near the rider's sides, -and not be allowed to flap up and down with every movement. The hands -must be held low and about three or four inches from the body. The -bearing of the head, the backward throw of the shoulders, and the curve -at the waist, are exactly like those assumed by a finished waltzer, and -if the reader is herself a dancer, or will notice the carriage of a good -dancer gliding around the ball-room, she can readily understand the -attitude required for a correct seat in the saddle. - -The right knee should grasp the second pommel firmly, but not hang upon -it in order to help the rider keep her seat and balance. The right leg, -from the hip to the knee, must be kept as steady as possible, because -from a woman's position in the saddle, the movements of her horse tend -to throw her toward his left side, and she must guard against this by -bearing slightly toward his right. From the knee to the foot, the right -leg must be in contact with the fore-flap of the saddle, the heel being -inclined backward a little. - -The left knee should be placed just below the third pommel, so that this -will span it lightly, close enough to assist in preserving a firm seat, -yet not so close as to interfere with the action of the leg in the -English trot. From the knee to the foot this left leg must be held in a -straight line perpendicular to the ground, and the knee be lightly -pressed against the side-flap of the saddle. The ball of the foot must -be placed evenly in the stirrup, the heel being a little lower than the -toes, which should be pointed toward the shoulder of the horse. (Fig. -20.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 20.--Correct seat for a lady. Side view. - -1, third pommel; 2, second pommel.] - -If the rider will seat herself in the saddle in the manner just -described, she will find that she has a very firm seat, from which she -cannot easily be displaced; but in order to appear graceful she must be -flexible, and adapt herself readily to the motions of her horse. The -shoulders, for example, although thrown back, must not be rigid, and the -body, while erect, must be supple; the head be upright and free, and, in -the leap, or when circling in the gallop, the body must be pliant, -yielding and bending with the movements of the horse, but always -resuming afterward the easy erect position. But it must be borne in mind -that the above directions in regard to carriage apply to the times when -the horse is moving, and need not be observed in full rigor at other -times. When, for instance, the horse is standing, the rider may assume a -more easy posture, collecting herself and steed simultaneously when she -wishes him to move. - -The novice in riding should never be allowed to touch rein or whip until -she has acquired a good seat, and a correct balance. During her first -lessons, some one should ride by her side and lead her horse, while she, -folding her hands in front of her waist, should give all her attention -to gaining a correct seat; or, she may practice circling to the right by -means of the lunge line, which will prove excellent training, and will -teach her to bear toward the off or right side, for it has already been -stated that the motion in the side-saddle has a tendency to impel the -rider toward the left, and this tendency must always be guarded against -by bearing the body a little to the right. Circling to the right, when -riding in the track of the riding-school, is also a useful exercise for -this purpose, but as riding-schools are not always to be had -conveniently, the lunge line will be found very useful, many riders, -indeed, considering it even better than riding in the ring, as it keeps -the horse well up to his gait. - -During a few of the first lessons, that the rider may not fall from the -saddle, the stirrup-leather may be somewhat shortened, but as soon as an -idea of the proper balance has been acquired and the reins and whip are -placed in her hands, the stirrup must be lengthened, as this secures a -firmer and more easy seat. This leather will be of the correct length -when, by a little pressure on it with her foot, and a simultaneous -straightening of her knee, the rider can spring upward about four or -five inches from the saddle; but it must never be so long as to render -the third pommel nearly, if not quite, useless. - -It is better to have the first lessons in riding rather short, so that -the pupil may become gradually accustomed to the exercise. As soon as -she begins to feel at all fatigued, she should at once dismount, and not -try to ride again until the tired feeling is wholly gone. These -intervals of fatigue will gradually become less and less frequent, until -at last the rider will find herself so strong and vigorous that riding -will no longer require any fatiguing effort. In the case of an active, -healthy woman, accustomed to exercise of various kinds, these short -preliminary lessons may not be necessary; her muscles will be already so -well developed that she will not be easily fatigued by exercise of any -kind. But for a lady who has always been physically inactive, these -short lessons at first are absolutely necessary. The general system of -such a person has become enfeebled, her muscles are weak and flabby, and -any sudden or long continued exercise would tend to produce very -injurious results, so that riding, unless begun very gradually, would -probably do her more harm than good. - -But after reading all the directions just given about riding, the reader -may ask what need there is of so much study and circumspection to enable -a woman to mount a horse and ride him, when hundreds of ladies ride -every day, and enjoy doing so, without knowing anything about the make -of the saddle, or the position they ought to take when seated in it. - -Although it seems almost a pity to disturb the serenity and -self-complacency of ignorance, we shall be obliged, in justice to those -who really wish to understand the principles of good horsewomanship, to -point out some of the mistakes of those who think that riding is an -accomplishment which can be acquired without instruction and study. - -It is not too sweeping an assertion to state that, of one hundred ladies -who attempt a display of what they consider their _excellent_ -horsewomanship in our streets and parks, ninety-five are very imperfect -riders; and the five who do ride well have only learned to do so by -means of careful study and competent instruction. They have fully -appreciated the fact that nature never ushered them into the world -finished riders, any more than accomplished grammarians or Latin -scholars, and that although one may possess a natural aptitude for an -accomplishment, application, study, and practice are positively -necessary to enable her to attain any degree of perfection in it. Yet -the idea unfortunately prevails very largely in this country that women -require very little instruction to become good riders, and the results -of this belief are apparent in the ninety-five faulty riders already -referred to. - -Let us now watch some of the fair Americans whom the first balmy day of -spring has tempted out for a horseback ride, and notice the faulty -positions in which they have contrived to seat themselves in their -saddles. With regard to their beauty, elegance of form, and style of -dress, nothing more could be desired; but, alas! the same cannot be said -of their manner of riding. - -[Illustration: Fig. 21.--Crooked Position in Saddle. Miss X.] - -Take Miss X. and Mrs. Y., for examples. These ladies have the reputation -of being fine and fearless horsewomen, and certainly do ride with that -dash and confidence which long practice in the saddle is sure to give, -but we regret to say that we can bestow no further praise upon them. -Miss X. has taken a position that is almost universal with American -horsewomen, and is exactly the one which a rider nearly always assumes -when seated sideways on a horse without a saddle. Instead of sitting -squarely, with the entire front of her body facing in the direction -toward which the horse is going, she sits crosswise. It will be seen by -looking at Fig. 21, that the central vertical line of her back, instead -of being directly in the centre of the saddle, is placed toward the -right corner of it, and that her shoulders are out of line, the left one -being thrown back, and the right one advanced forward. This position -makes it impossible for her to keep in unison with her horse when he is -moving straight forward at an easy pace. When he changes his gait to a -canter the rider will, for a short distance, appear to be more in -harmony with him, because he is now turning himself slightly to the left -and leading with his right fore-leg, a position which is more in unison -with that of his rider. But, after a short time, the horse gets tired of -this canter, turns to the right, and leads with his left fore-leg. This -change entirely destroys the apparent harmony which had before existed -between the two. - -The lady, knowing nothing about the position of a horse when galloping -or cantering, is ignorant of the fact that he always turns a little to -the right or left according to the leg with which he leads, and that she -ought to place her body in a corresponding position. She has but one -position in the saddle,--the crooked one already described,--and this -she maintains immovably through all the changes of her horse's gaits. - -[Illustration: Fig. 22.--Crooked Position in Saddle. Mrs. Y.] - -Let us now turn to Mrs. Y., who is even a more faulty rider than her -companion. She has likewise taken a crosswise position in the saddle; -but having given a peculiar twist to her body so that, by turning her -right shoulder backward, she can look to the right, she seems to imagine -that by these means she has placed herself squarely upon the saddle. -(Fig. 22.) As she is riding a racking horse and seated on a two-pommeled -saddle, she holds the reins firmly in her left hand and by a steady pull -on them she balances herself and keeps her horse up to his gait. But -this steady pull will soon ruin the tenderness and sensitiveness of any -horse's mouth, and this is the reason why racking horses generally have -very hard mouths, many of them requiring to be well held up or supported -in their rack by the reins. As this pulling upon the reins also gives -considerable support to the rider, many ladies prefer a racking horse. -Now notice Mrs. Y., who is attempting to turn her hard-mouthed -racker. Instead of doing this by an almost imperceptible movement of the -hand, her left hand and arm can be distinctly seen to move, and to -fairly pull the animal around. Her right hand--probably acting in -sympathy with the left, so tightly clasped over the reins--holds the -whip as if it were in a vise intended to crush it. In odd contrast with -the rigidly held hands is the body with its utter lack of firmness. - -It can be seen at a glance why the lady will only ride an easy racker, -for it is well known that on a good racker or pacer the body of a rider -in a faulty position is not jolted so much as in other gaits. For this -reason also the rack and pace are the favorite gaits of most American -horsewomen. - -Nearly every lady who rides has an ambition to be considered a finished -horsewoman, but this she can never be until she is able to ride properly -the trot and gallop, can keep herself in unison with her horse, whether -he leads with the left or right fore-leg, and has hands that will "give -and take" with the horse's movements and bring him up to his best gait. -From this point of view, Miss X. and Mrs. Y., then, are by no means the -"splendid riders" that their friends suppose them, but having all the -confidence of ignorance they ride fast and boldly and with a certain -_abandon_ that is pleasing; but by those who understand what good riding -is, they must always be regarded as very faulty riders. - -[Illustration: Fig. 23.--Incorrect position of legs and feet. Side -view.] - -Another common fault, against which we have already warned the reader, -is that of riding with too short a stirrup-leather, thus pressing the -left knee up against the third pommel, carrying the left heel backward -and slightly upward, and dropping the toes of the left foot more or -less down toward the ground, while those of the right are raised and -pointed toward the horse's head. (Fig. 23.) Although the lower limbs are -concealed by the skirt, it can easily be told whether they are in the -position just described, from the effect produced upon the upper part of -the body, which then leans too far forward and too much to the right -(Fig. 24); while the rider, in her efforts to balance herself, inclines -her shoulders to the left. This is a very awkward as well as a very -dangerous attitude, because, by thrusting her leg backwards, the action -of spurring is imitated, and, if the horse is very high-spirited, this -may cause him to become restive, or even to run away. Should the leg, -moreover, as is very apt to be the case, be firmly and steadily pressed -against the animal's side, he may suddenly pirouette or turn around to -the right, especially if he has been accustomed to carrying gentlemen as -well as ladies. This short stirrup-leather and improper use of the third -pommel should be carefully avoided. - -[Illustration: Fig. 24.--Incorrect Position when Legs and Feet are -wrongly placed.] - -The use of too long a stirrup-leather is apt to be the mistake of those -who ride upon the old-fashioned saddle, but is a fault which has become -much less common since the English saddle has been more generally used. -The objection to too long a stirrup-leather is that, when the foot is -pressed upon it, the leg at the same time is straightened, and extends -down so far as to cause the rider to sit too much to the left of the -saddle. As the pressure and weight are thus thrown wholly upon the left -side, the saddle is very likely to turn, and if this faulty position be -persisted in, it will be certain to injure the horse's back and may give -rise to fistulous withers. - -Besides looking very awkward and inelegant, when stooping forward in the -saddle and rounding the back without the slightest curve inwardly, the -rider will also run great risk, if her horse stumbles or makes any -sudden movement, of being unseated, or at least thrown violently against -the front of the saddle, as it is almost impossible for her, under such -circumstances, to adapt herself to the change in his motion quickly -enough to preserve her equilibrium. In all violent movements of the -horse, except rearing, the body must be inclined backward, so as to keep -the balance. When he is moving briskly in his ordinary gaits, the body -must be kept erect; and when he is turning a corner rapidly, it should -be inclined backward somewhat, and toward the inner bend of the horse's -body; or, in other words, toward the centre of the circle, of which the -turn forms a segment. - -Here come two ladies who have evidently received very limited -instructions in the art of riding. Notice how the head of one is thrust -forward, while the other, though holding her head erect allows it to be -jerked about with every motion of her horse. It shakes slowly when the -animal is walking, but as he quickens his pace to a canter, it rocks -with his motion, and, during his fast pace, the poor head moves so -rapidly as to make one fear that the neck may become dislocated, while -the arms dance about simultaneously with the movements of the head in a -way that reminds one of the toy dancing-jacks, pulled by an unseen hand -for the amusement of children. The head should, in riding, be kept firm -and erect, without stiffness, the chin being drawn in slightly, and not -protruding high in the air, because the latter gives one a supercilious -look. The head and shoulders should adapt themselves, in their -direction, to the movements of the head and fore-legs of the horse, and -the arms should be held as steady as possible. - -But here come several ladies who have taken lessons at the riding-school -and may, therefore, reasonably be expected to be finished riders; but -such, alas! is not the case. They have been trying "to walk before they -could creep," or, in other words, their lessons in riding have been -conducted too hastily. They have begun to try a canter or a rapid gallop -before they knew how to sit correctly upon their horses, or even to -manage them properly in a walk. This desire to make too rapid progress -is more frequently the fault of the pupil than of the riding teacher. -Most teachers have an ambition to make finished riders of their pupils, -and take much pride in doing so, especially as such a result adds -greatly to the prestige of their school. This ambition is often -defeated, however, by the impatience of the pupils, who are not -satisfied to learn slowly and well, but overrule the teacher's -objections and undertake to gallop before they have acquired even the -first principles of horsewomanship. Moreover, many of these ladies never -take any road lessons, so highly important to all who would become -thoroughly accomplished in this art; nor do they remain long enough -under instruction in the school, but seem to think that a few short -lessons are enough to make them finished riders. They often refuse to -learn the English trot, although this is a very important accomplishment -for the beginner, as it enables her to gain a correct idea of the -balance. Or, if they do attempt to learn it, they insist upon circling -only to the right, as this is easier than going the other way. - -Again, many pupils will insist upon riding the same favorite horse, -instead of leaving the selection to the judgment of the teacher, who is -well aware that it is much better for the lady's progress that she -should ride a variety of horses with different gaits. He is often driven -to his wit's end when two or three ladies who patronize his school, and -whom it is an honor to have as pupils, express a desire to ride the same -horse on the same occasion. Should he favor one more than the others, -the latter will become highly offended, and the poor man in his -perplexity is often obliged to resort to some subterfuge to pacify them. - -It is not difficult, then, to understand why some ladies, although they -have taken lessons at a riding-school, are, nevertheless, not finished -riders, their faults being due, not to the instruction but to their own -lack of judgment or inattention. It is true that occasionally the -teacher, although he may be an excellent instructor for gentlemen, is -not so good a one for ladies, or he may become careless, believing that -if he gives them well-trained horses to ride very little else is -required of him. Or, again, he may think, as many foreigners do, that -very few American ladies know how a woman should ride, and are satisfied -with being half taught. - -It cannot be too strongly impressed upon riding teachers that in every -riding-school where ladies are to be taught there should be at least one -lady assistant. A gentleman can give all the necessary instructions -about the management of the horse and the handling of the reins better -than most ladies; but, in giving the idea of a correct seat and the -proper disposal of the limbs, the presence of a lady assistant becomes -necessary; in these matters she can instruct her own sex much better -than a man can. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -TO HOLD THE REINS, AND MANAGE THE HORSE. - - "What a wild thought of triumph, that this girlish hand - Such a steed in the might of his strength may command! - What a glorious creature! Ah! glance at him now, - As I check him awhile on this green hillock's brow; - How he tosses his mane, with a shrill, joyous neigh, - And paws the firm earth in his proud, stately play!" - - GRACE GREENWOOD. - - -The position of the rider in the saddle has a decided influence upon the -horse's mouth, rendering his movements regular or irregular, according -to the correctness and firmness of the seat; for, if the rider be -unsteady or vacillating in the saddle, this will exert an influence upon -the hand, rendering it correspondingly unstable, and will thereby cause -the horse's movements to be variable. And should she endeavor to remedy -this unsteadiness of hand and seat by supporting herself upon the reins, -the horse will defend himself against such rigid traction by making -counter-traction upon the reins, thrusting his head forward, throwing -himself heavily upon his fore-legs, thus forcing the hands of the rider, -and compelling her to support the weight of his neck and shoulders. On -the contrary, if she be firm in her seat, and not in the least dependent -upon the reins, her hand will be light, and the animal will yield a -ready obedience and advance in his best pace. The preceding remarks -explain why a horse will go lightly with one rider and heavily with -another. - -A lady should have a thorough knowledge of the management of her horse, -and of the means by which she may command him in every degree of speed, -and under all circumstances; without this knowledge she can never become -a safe and accomplished horsewoman. A gentleman may guide and control -his horse, and obtain obedience from a restive one, by a firm, strong -hand, and by his courage and determined will; but as a rule, a lady -cannot depend upon these methods; she will have to rely entirely upon -the thorough training of her horse, a properly arranged bit, her firm, -yet delicate touch, and her skill in handling the reins. The -well-trained hand of a woman is always energetic enough to obtain the -mastery of her horse, without having to resort to feats of strength and -acrobatic movements; and a _lady_ should never seek to gain prestige by -riding restless or vicious horses, in order that she may display her -skill in conquering them; though every rider should be thoroughly -taught how to control her steed in cases of emergency. - -When one sees how little skill most lady riders exhibit in managing the -reins, it seems almost miraculous that so few accidents occur to them, -and is indeed a positive proof of the excellent temper of their horses. -From some mysterious cause, most horses will bear more awkwardness and -absurdity in the handling of the reins by a woman than by a man, and -will good-naturedly submit to the indifferent riding of the gentle being -in the side-saddle, while the same character of riding and treatment -from a man would arouse every feeling of defense and rebellion. The -probable cause of this difference of action on the part of the horse is, -that a lady rider, with all her ignorance of seat and rein, will talk -kindly to and pet her steed, and will rarely lose her temper, no matter -in what eccentricities he may indulge, and her gentleness causes the -animal to remain gentle. - -On the contrary, when a man throws his weight upon the reins, jerking -and pulling upon them, his horse, seeking to defend himself against such -rough measures, arouses the temper of his rider, and this anger is soon -communicated to the animal, which then becomes obstinate and -rebellious; moreover, a man will often whip and spur for some trivial -offense in instances where a woman would simply speak to her horse, or -take no notice. Hence, the ignorant horsewoman often rides in safety -under circumstances in which the ignorant horseman, who has resorted to -violent measures, meets with an accident. - -Although a horse may submit to an awkward rider and carry her with -safety, still she will have no power to make him move in his best and -most regular manner, and there will exist no intelligence or harmony -between the two. Yet this same horse, when mounted by a lady who -understands the =management of the reins=, will be all animation and -happiness. There will soon be established a tacit understanding between -the two, and the graceful curvetings and prancings of the steed will -manifest his pride and joy in carrying and obeying a gentle woman, who -manages the reins with spirit and resolution, and yet does not, with the -cruelty of ignorance or indifference, convert them into instruments of -torture. - -The =reins= should not be employed until a firm, steady position upon -the saddle has been acquired, and then, for first lessons, the snaffle -only should be used, =a rein in each hand=. It will be better to have -the reins marked at equal distances from the bit, either by sewing -colored thread across each, or otherwise; this will be useful because, -with the novice, the reins will imperceptibly slip through her hands, or -one rein will become longer than the other, and the markings will enable -her to notice these displacements, and promptly to remedy them. By -holding the snaffle-reins separately, in first lessons, the pupil will -be aided in assuming a square position upon the saddle, and will -likewise be prevented from throwing back her right shoulder, out of line -with the left, a common fault with beginners, especially when the reins -are held only in the left hand. This rein-hold is very simple; the right -rein of the snaffle must be held in the right hand, and the left rein in -the left. - -[Illustration: Fig. 25.--Snaffle-reins; one in each hand.] - -The hands being closed, but not too tightly, must be held with their -backs toward the horse's head, and each rein, as it ascends from the -bit, must be passed between the third and fourth fingers of its -appropriate hand, carried across the inner surface of the third, second, -and first fingers, and then be drawn over the outside (or side next to -the thumb) of the first finger, against which it must be held by firm -pressure of the thumb. The thumbs must be held opposite each other and -uppermost, the finger-nails toward the body, and the back of the wrists -must be rounded a little outwardly, so as to make a slight bend of the -closed hand toward the body. The little fingers must be held down and -nearly in a horizontal line with the tips of the elbows; and the hands -be kept as low as possible, without resting upon the knees, and be about -four inches distant from the body, and from four to six inches apart. -(Fig. 25.) - -This arrangement of hands and reins may be termed the "original -position" when a snaffle-rein is held in each hand, of which all the -others are variations. In this position,--the reins being held just -short enough to feel the horse's mouth,--if the hands be now slightly -relaxed by turning the nails and thumbs toward the body, the latter -being, at the same time, inclined a little forward, the horse will be -enabled to advance freely, and, as soon as he =moves onward=, the -original position of the hands must be gently resumed. It is proper to -remark here, that when using the snaffle-reins only, the curb-bit should -always be in the horse's mouth, its reins being tied and allowed to rest -upon his neck, although the pupil must not be allowed to meddle with it. -The presence of the curb in the horse's mouth, although not used, has a -restraining influence, especially with an animal accustomed to it. - -=To turn the horse to the right=, the right rein must be shortened so as -to be felt at the right side of his mouth; to effect this, the little -finger of the right hand must, by a turn of the wrist, be moved in -toward the body and sufficiently toward the left, with the nails up and -the knuckles down, while, in order to aid the horse, the rider will -simultaneously turn her face and shoulders slightly to the right. The -animal having made the turn, the hand must gently return to the original -position, and the body again face to the front. - -=To turn the horse to the left=, the left rein must be shortened, by a -turn of the left wrist, carrying the little finger of the left hand -toward the body and to the right, nails upward, etc., while the pupil -will slightly turn her face and shoulders to the left. The turn having -been effected, the original position must be resumed, the pupil, in all -these cases, taking great care that the markings on her reins are even -and in the correct position. - -=To stop the horse=, both reins must be shortened evenly; this must be -accomplished by a turn of both wrists that will bring the little fingers -toward the body with the finger-nails uppermost, the body of the pupil -being, at the same time, slightly inclined backward. Now, by bending the -wrists to a still greater degree, and bringing the hands in closer to -the body, which must be inclined a little forward, and nearly in contact -with each other, thus throwing more strength upon the reins, the horse -will be compelled =to back=. To make him =move on again=, the hands and -body must resume the original position, and the hands must be relaxed, -etc., as stated above. - -When the pupil becomes more advanced, and can command her horse, in all -his gaits, with the reins separate, one in each hand, she will then be -prepared for lessons in handling =both reins with the left hand= only, -still employing the snaffle, as her touch may not be delicate enough for -the curb. - -[Illustration: Fig. 26.--Snaffle-reins; both in the left hand.] - -For this purpose, the reins being held for the time being in the right -hand, the left, having its back toward the horse's head, will seize them -as follows: its little finger must be passed directly between the two -reins, the left rein being on the outer side of this finger and the -right one on its right side, between it and the third finger. This done, -the reins must be drawn up nearly even to the marks upon them,[4] so as -just to feel the animal's mouth, noticing that these marks are nearly on -a line with each other, while that portion of the reins lying within the -hand must be carried across its palm to the index finger, to a point -between its first and second joints, against which point, being placed -evenly with one overlying the other, they are to be firmly held by -pressure of the thumb; the right hand may now quit its hold upon the -reins. (Fig. 26.) - - Footnote 4: It is stated in this paragraph that the _marks on the - reins_ should be "nearly even," or "nearly on a line with each other," - because, in its passage under the little finger, across the hand, and - on the outside of the right rein, the left one will be shortened so - that its marking will be about half an inch nearer the bit than that - of the right one; consequently, in order to make the pressure upon the - horse's mouth even, the right rein will have to be shortened to the - extent named. - -The reins having been properly placed in the left hand according to the -directions just given, this hand, being closed, but not too tightly, -must be held at a distance of about three inches from the front part of -the waist, with the wrist slightly rounded, the nails toward the body, -the back of the hand toward the horse's head, and the little finger down -and a little nearer the body than the others. The under surface of the -bridle arm and hand, from the tip of the elbow to the first joint of the -little finger, should be held nearly in a horizontal line. The elbow -must be held somewhat close to the side but not in contact with it, and -should be kept steady. Care must be taken, when the reins are held in -the left hand, that the right shoulder be not thrown back, nor the left -one elevated, faulty positions common to beginners when not otherwise -instructed. The right arm should be allowed to hang easily and steadily -at the side, the whip being lightly held in it, with its point downward. -When the snaffle-reins are held in the left hand as described, we may -term this the "original position," of which all the others are -variations. - -In order that the horse may =move onward=, the left hand, holding the -reins as just described, should be relaxed by turning the thumb downward -and toward the body until the back of the hand is up and the -finger-nails down; at the same time, the pupil should slightly incline -her body forward, being careful not to round the shoulders,--aiding the -movement by the voice, or, if necessary, by a gentle tap of the whip. -The horse having started onward, the original position must be gently -resumed. - -In order to =turn the horse to the right=, the left wrist must be turned -so as to bring the nails down and the knuckles up,--the thumb being -toward the body,--at the same time carrying the little finger slightly -to the left, and drawing the reins a little upward. This movement will -effect the necessary shortening of the right rein, without allowing any -looseness of the left one. The turn having been accomplished, the hand -must resume the original position. It must not be forgotten, that while -making this turn the face and shoulders must be turned somewhat to the -right, or in the direction in which the horse is moving. - -=To turn to the left=, the bridle-hand being in the original position, -its wrist must be turned so as to carry the finger-nails up, and the -knuckles down, simultaneously moving the little finger toward the right -and pressing it against the left rein, both reins being drawn slightly -upward. This manoeuvre shortens the left rein, without relaxing the -right. In this turn the movements of the horse should be aided by the -rider's face and shoulders being turned a little to the left. The turn -having been made, the original position must be resumed. - -The horse =may be stopped= by simply turning the wrist so as to carry -the finger-nails up, the knuckles down, and the little finger toward the -body, which must be slightly inclined backward. Now, by bracing the -muscles of the hand, bending the wrist and carrying the hand farther in -toward the waist, at the same time advancing the body, the animal will -be made =to back=; though, in backing a horse, it will be better to -employ both hands. After having stopped, or backed the horse, to make -him =move onward=, a course should be pursued, with both reins in the -bridle-hand, similar to that described for the same purpose when a rein -is held in each hand. - -=To change the snaffle-reins from the left to the right hand=, as is -sometimes necessary in order to adjust the skirt, to relieve the left -hand, etc., the following course must be pursued, whether the horse be -in rapid or slow motion: While the left hand must retain its position -and gentle pressure of the reins upon the horse's mouth, the right must -be carried to and over the left hand, its forefinger be passed between -the two reins, so that the left rein will be on the left side of this -finger, and the right on its right side, between the first and second -fingers; both reins must now be carried to the right, across the palm, -to the little finger; the hand must then be firmly closed, and the thumb -be pressed against the left rein, holding it in contact with the index -finger,--the left hand now gives up the reins. In this change, while the -right hand is being carried over to the left, this latter must be held -stationary, as any movement of it to meet the right hand may cause the -animal to turn or swerve from his course, and will at the same time -interfere with his gait. - -=To return the reins to the left hand=, the following course must be -pursued: While the right hand must remain steady and sustain the gait of -the horse, the left must be carried to and over it, insert its little -finger between the two reins, so that the left one will be on the left -or outer side of this finger, and the right one on its right side, -between it and the third finger; then the reins must be drawn through -the left hand, and be arranged and held in this hand in the same manner -as explained when describing the original position of both snaffle-reins -in the bridle-hand. - -These various changes must be made quickly and expertly, without -altering the degree of pressure or pull upon the horse's mouth. The -novice will find it greatly to her advantage to learn the management of -the reins before mounting the horse, and can do so by fastening the -bit-end of the reins to some stationary object, and then practicing the -different changes, until she can perform all these manoeuvres without -looking at her hands or the reins. - -When both the reins are held in the left hand, the rider has not so much -command over her horse as when they are held one in each hand. For this -reason, unless her steed be exceptionally well-trained and obedient, it -will be better, when in a crowded thoroughfare, where quick turns have -to be made, to hold a rein in each hand, and this will become absolutely -necessary if the animal be hard mouthed or unruly. - -When the horse is in motion and the reins are held in the left hand, -their =separation= may be quickly effected by carrying the right hand -to and over the left, the latter retaining its steadiness all the time, -and then passing the first three fingers of the right hand between the -two reins, so that they may readily close upon the right rein; the thumb -will then keep this rein firm by pressing it against the first joint of -the index finger. The position of the hands and reins will then, after a -movement of the left little finger to place the rein between it and the -third, be the same as described for the original position where a -snaffle-rein is held in each hand. - -Should the reins become too long when held separately, they can readily -=be shortened= by returning the right rein to the bridle-hand, placing -it directly over the left rein between the third and little finger, and -then, by means of the right hand, drawing the loose rein or reins -through the bridle-hand to the proper length, after which the right rein -may again be taken in the right hand, as already described. - -When the reins are held in one hand, they can be =shortened or -lengthened= by simply seizing them at their free, disengaged ends with -the right hand, and while this holds them and sustains the horse, the -left hand must be slipped along the reins, up or down, as may be -required, but without changing their arrangement. - -Another way of holding the reins in the bridle-hand is to pass the right -rein to the right of, and underneath, the index finger, and then carry -it across the palm, so as to escape beyond the little finger; while the -left rein must be passed to the left of the little finger (or between it -and the third finger), and then be carried across the palm to escape -beyond the index finger. The author cannot recommend this manner of -holding the reins to ladies who desire to become accomplished and -graceful riders, because the movements of the hands and arms, when -turning, or managing the horse, are much more conspicuous; and there is -not that delicate correspondence with the animal's mouth that can be -obtained by the other methods described. - -After the pupil has become expert in riding with the snaffle, she will -be ready for the =double bridle=, or the =curb-bit and bridoon=. The -double bridle must be =held in the left hand= in the following manner: -The _bridoon_ or _snaffle-reins_ are first to be taken up, evenly, by -the right hand and then the second finger of the left hand be passed -between these reins (the left rein being between the second and third -fingers, and the right rein between the first and second), the back of -the hand being directed somewhat upward, with the knuckles toward the -horse's head; the reins should then be pulled up by the right hand just -enough to feel the horse's mouth, and carried across the palm to the -index finger, where they should be held in position by firm pressure -with the thumb. - -[Illustration: Fig. 27.--Double bridle: all reins in the bridle-hand. - -1, upper reins, snaffle; 2, lower reins, curb.] - -The _curb-reins_ are now to be taken evenly by the right hand, and then -the little finger of the left hand be passed between the two reins, the -left rein being upon the left or outer side of the little finger, and -the right rein between the little and third fingers; both curb-reins -should next be drawn upward by the right hand until they are nearly the -length of the snaffle, and carried across the palm, one rein overlying -the other, to the index finger, between its first and second joints, and -between the snaffle-reins and the thumb, at which point all the reins -must be firmly held by pressure of the thumb against them; the right -hand will now remove its hold. (Fig. 27.) The above manoeuvring of the -reins will give the "original position" for the double bridle in the -left hand. All these reins should be of nearly equal length, the snaffle -being slightly the shortest, so that, while riding with the latter, the -curb may be ready for instant use; this may be brought into play by -simply turning the wrist so as to carry the little finger up and toward -the waist. And the full power of the curb may be brought into action by -turning the wrist so as to carry the knuckles down and the nails up, at -the same time drawing the little finger toward the waist. - -=To shorten or lengthen both the curb and snaffle reins evenly= without -abandoning the horse to himself for a moment, or without ceasing to keep -up his action, the following method may be pursued: The loose, -disengaged ends of all the reins that extend beyond the index finger of -the left hand must be taken between the thumb and forefinger of the -right hand, care being taken during this manoeuvre to keep up the -support to the horse with this hand; the grasp of the left hand upon the -reins must now be sufficiently relaxed to allow this hand to slide along -the reins downward to shorten them, or upward to lengthen them; this -must be effected without deranging their adjustment; when the proper -range has been obtained, remove the right hand. - -=To shorten the curb and lengthen the snaffle-reins=: The loose, -disengaged ends of all the reins must be held in the same manner as -stated in the preceding paragraph, between the thumb and index finger of -the right hand, not omitting to keep up a support to the horse; the -grasp of the left hand must now be slightly relaxed, and this hand be -slid up along all the reins, which movement will lengthen them in the -left hand. The grasp of the right hand upon the snaffle-reins must now -be relaxed, and the left hand be slid down along the curb-reins, -carrying the snaffle-reins with it, until the proper range or distance -has been attained, when the right hand may be removed. While these -changes are being made, the right hand must sustain the horse by the -curb-reins until the left has obtained a firm hold upon all. - -=To shorten the snaffle and lengthen the curb reins=, a course similar -to the one just preceding must be pursued, except that in this case the -right hand must retain the snaffle-reins, and support the horse by them, -while the left hand, in sliding down, will carry those of the curb. In -all these changes of the various reins, it must be remembered that after -each change has been effected the reins must be held in place by firm -pressure of the thumb, as already described. - -When =either of the reins= held in the left hand =becomes loose=, it -may be tightened, by carrying the right hand to and over the left one, -seizing the loose rein by its disengaged end that hangs loosely from the -left index finger, and drawing it up as far as is necessary. While this -is being done, the left hand must not be removed from its position, and -should continue to keep up a steady pressure upon the horse's mouth. - -In requiring the horse =to stop=, =to back=, =to turn=, or =to advance=, -the management of the double bridle-reins will be exactly the same as -stated in the directions given when holding the snaffle-reins in the -left hand. - -When both =the curb and the snaffle reins= are held in the bridle-hand, -they may be =changed to the right hand=, when this is desired, as -follows: The right hand must be carried to the left; the second finger -of the right hand must be placed between the snaffle-reins (already -separated by the second finger of the left hand); and the little finger -of the right hand between the curb-reins (already separated by the -little finger of the left hand); this done, the thumb and fingers of the -right hand must be closed upon the reins, which must, at the same time, -be released by the left hand. - -=To restore these reins to the left hand=, the pupil must proceed as -follows: Carrying the left hand to the right, the second finger of the -left hand must be placed between the snaffle-reins, and the little -finger of this hand between the curb-reins; this having been done, the -thumb and fingers must be closed upon all the reins, while the right -hand releases its hold. These several changes can be made whether the -horse be moving slowly or rapidly, care being taken to effect them so -quietly that the horse will not be abandoned to himself from want of -support, nor interrupted in the rhythm of his gait. - -If when riding with the double bridle in the bridle-hand, very quick -turns have to be made, or when the horse will not yield readily to the -movements of the bridle-hand, it will become necessary to =separate the -reins= by taking that of the right snaffle in the right hand; this can -be quickly effected by carrying the right hand to and over the left, and -seizing the right snaffle-rein with the first three fingers of the right -hand; this rein will pass between the third and little fingers and -across the palm, so that the loose, disengaged end will escape from -between the thumb and forefinger. - -[Illustration: Fig. 28.--Double bridle; a snaffle and a curb rein in -each hand. - -1, 1, snaffle-reins; 2, 2, curb-reins.] - -In America, most lady riders prefer to guide the horse with the -bridle-hand only; in doing this, although they may appear more careless -and graceful, they certainly lose much command over the animal. The -method at present employed by the best European horsewomen, who _seldom -ride with the reins in the left hand alone_, is as follows: The little -finger of the right hand is to be passed between the right curb and -snaffle reins in such a way that the curb-rein will be on the outer side -of this finger, and the snaffle between it and the third finger; both -reins must then be carried across the palm, and be firmly held by the -thumb against the forefinger. The little finger of the left hand is also -to be passed between the left snaffle and curb reins, in a similar -manner to that just described, and the reins must be held firm by the -thumb and forefinger of this hand. (Fig. 28.) This arrangement may be -termed the "original position" for a curb and snaffle rein in each hand. - -When the reins are thus separated, the action upon the horse's mouth -will be much more powerful than when they are all placed in the -bridle-hand. They should be held nearly even, the snaffle being -somewhat shorter than the curb, so that the hold or pressure upon the -animal's mouth may be made by the former; but should it be required on -any occasion to employ the curb, this can be brought into instant use by -a slight turn of the wrists, that will carry the little fingers up and -toward the rider's waist. To _stop_, to _back_, to _turn_, or to -_advance_, the reins must be managed in the same way as when one -snaffle-rein alone is held in each hand. In all these various ways of -holding the double bridle, the snaffle-reins should, as they pass upward -from the bit, always be placed above those of the curb; indeed, it would -be rather awkward to hold them otherwise. - -As already stated, when the object for which any change of hands and -reins has been made is effected, the hands should always resume the -original position, as explained for the snaffle-reins when one is held -in each hand,--thus, hands four inches from the body, four inches apart, -etc. The arms and elbows must be kept as steady as possible, all -movements of the reins being made with the wrists and fingers, unless -the horse be hard mouthed or badly trained, when the arms will have to -be employed and more force will be required. But a horse of this kind -should never be ridden by a woman; and the directions herein given will -be found amply sufficient to control a well-trained, properly-bitted -animal. - -The preceding directions relative to holding and managing the reins may -appear very tedious and exceedingly complicated. But if the pupil, -commencing with the snaffle-reins, one in each hand, will carefully -study and practice each method in succession, she will soon find that -all these apparently difficult manoeuvres are very simple when put into -practice, and can be readily learned in half a dozen lessons. When she -has once fully mastered them, she will be astonished to find how little -management, when it is of the right kind and based upon correct -principles, will be required to make her steed move in an easy and -pleasant manner. - -After the rein-hold has been acquired, and the pupil properly seated in -the saddle, she will, if the reins are held steady, observe with each -step of the horse as he advances in the canter or gallop, a slight tug -or pull upon the reins. This pull will also be simultaneously felt by -the horse's mouth, between which and the rider's hand or hands there -will be what may be termed a =correspondence=. This correspondence gives -a _support_ to the horse, provided the rider, while maintaining an equal -degree of tension upon the reins, will "=give and take=," or, in other -words, will allow the movements of the bridle-hand to concur with those -of this tug or pull. A _dead pull_ may be made by bracing the muscles of -the hand, tightly closing the fingers upon the reins, and holding the -hand immovable; but this should never be done, except to convey some -imperative command to the horse, or when he attempts to gain the -ascendency. This kind of pull will interfere with the natural movements -of the horse's head, making him move in a confined, irregular manner, -and will oblige him to _force the rider's hand_ or _hands_; that is, in -order to relieve himself from this restraint, he will give a sudden -downward jerk of his head, which may take the reins from her hands, -unless she be upon her guard; or else he will move heavily upon his -fore-legs, and make his rider support the weight of his head and neck. - -Should the curb be used instead of the snaffle, the result may be still -worse; because when the curb-reins are pulled upon, the port or arched -part of the bit will come in contact with the roof of the animal's -mouth, and will press upon it to a degree corresponding to the power -used upon the reins, while the curb-chain will be forced against the -lower jaw, and if this continual pressure or dead pull be kept up the -animal will experience considerable pain. To relieve himself, he will -suddenly throw his head either up or down and may even rear. In the -latter case, if his rider does not instantly relax her hand, he will be -apt to fall backward, which is one of the most serious accidents that -can happen when riding. If this rigid pull upon the curb be continued, -the horse will be certain, ultimately, to become hard mouthed, if not -vicious. This is a reason why so many riders, though having the double -bridle-reins, use only the snaffle, and allow the curb-reins to hang -quite loosely, being afraid to employ them, as experience has taught -them that this rigid hold upon the reins will be instantly resented by -the horse. Hence the curb-reins appear to be attached to the head-gear -of their horses more as an article of ornament than of utility. - -In order that a lady's horse may move lightly and well upon his -haunches, the curb will have to be employed occasionally to _collect_ -and _restrain_ him; and when it is managed properly, he will advance in -better style than when the snaffle alone is used. The snaffle will -answer a better purpose when employed to guide the horse in turning -completely around, or in movements to the right or to the left; while -the curb will answer during a straightforward motion to keep the animal -well up to his action and to bring out his best gait, as well as to -collect and restrain him. - -An easy "give and take" feeling can be effected by slightly loosening or -opening the fingers of the bridle-hand or hands as the horse springs -forward; as the hand feels the pull upon the reins, it must yield to -this sensation, and will thus allow the animal liberty in his spring or -advance movements. Then, as the action of the horse lessens or recedes, -the reins will be felt to slacken, when the fingers should be closed, -which will tighten the reins, support the animal, and keep him under -control. This "give and take" movement should occur alternately and -simultaneously with the cadence of each step of the steed, and should be -effected without any backward or forward movements of the arm or arms, -which must be held steady,--except in a rapid gallop, in which case both -the hand and arm will, to a certain extent, have to move to and fro. In -the "give and take" movement the reins should not be allowed to slip in -the slightest degree, nor to be jerked from the rider's hand by any -sudden motion of the horse's head; on the contrary, they should always -be held firm between the thumb and the first and second joints of the -index finger, the _other fingers alone_ performing the alternate action -of loosening and tightening the reins. - -The reader will be better enabled to understand this explanation if she -will take a piece of elastic, pass it around her right hand, which will -correspond to the horse's mouth, and then hold the two ends in her left -hand, exactly in the manner explained for holding the double -bridle-reins in one hand. Now, by making tension on the elastic (or -reins) with the left hand, so that the right (or supposed horse's mouth) -can just feel this pressure, a _correspondence_ will be formed between -these two hands (or bridle-hand and supposed horse's mouth) through -which the slightest movement of the left hand, or of its second, third, -or fourth fingers, will be immediately felt by the right hand; then, -while holding the elastic (or reins) firmly, by pressure, between the -thumb and index finger, by alternately opening and closing the fingers -of the left hand, she will observe that when her fingers are closed -there will be quite a tension upon the elastic and consequently upon the -right hand, and when they are slightly opened this will become flaccid. -The relaxation and contraction of the hand constitutes the "give and -take" movement, which causes the horse to move easily, pleasantly, and -with perfect freedom, while at the same time he is kept in entire -obedience to his rider. Indeed, this movement is _the grand secret of -good riding and correct management of the horse, and there can be no -good riding without it_. - -With this movement there should always be a certain support or pull upon -the horse's mouth,--firmer or lighter according to the sensitiveness of -his mouth, as some animals are harder mouthed than others, and -consequently require a firmer support;--this tension or pressure should -be rather light in the walk and canter, firmer in the trot, and very -light in the hand gallop. In the rapid gallop, the horse requires -considerable support. - -In all cases of _restiveness_, except in rearing, raising the -bridle-hands will give more command over the horse, as it will cause him -to keep up his head, and thus while lessening the power of the animal -will at the same time add to that of the rider. On the contrary, should -the horse lower his head, and the bridle-hands be held low, the power of -the animal will be augmented and he can bid defiance to his rider, -unless she can raise his head. She will have to do this in a gentle but -firm manner, soliciting, as it were, the desired elevation of his head -by raising her hands and quickly relaxing and contracting the fingers, -but being careful to keep the reins in place between the thumb and index -finger of each hand; she will thus gradually oblige him to raise his -neck with his chin drawn in, so that control over his mouth may be -regained. - -Should he resist this method, the reins must be momentarily slackened, -and then a decided jerk or pull be given them in an upward direction; -this will cause a sharp twinge in his mouth, and make him raise his -head. In these manoeuvres the curb-bit should be used, and as the animal -raises his head the rider should gently relax the reins, and also be on -her guard lest he rear. In some instances a decided "sawing" of his -mouth with the snaffle--that is, sharply pulling upon one rein and then -upon the other, and in rather quick succession--will cause him to raise -his head and neck. - -When a horse is obedient, all changes in the degree of pressure upon his -mouth should be made gradually, because, if a sudden transition be made -from a firm hand to a relaxed one, he will be abruptly deprived of the -support upon which he has been depending and may be thrown forward on -his shoulders. Again, to pass precipitately from a slack rein to a tight -one will give a violent shock to his mouth, cause him to displace his -head, and destroy the harmony of his movements. As a means of -punishment, some riders jerk suddenly, repeatedly, and violently upon -the reins; this "jagging on the reins" is a great mistake, and will be -likely to result in more harm to the rider than to the horse, as the -latter may suddenly rear, or else have a bad temper aroused that will be -difficult to overcome. - -When riding on the road there will be times when the horse will require -more liberty of the reins, as, for instance, when his head or neck -becomes uncomfortable from being kept too long in one position, when he -has an attack of cough, when he wants to dislodge a troublesome fly, -etc. In giving this liberty when occasion requires, the reins must not -be allowed to slip through the hands, but the arms should be gradually -advanced, without, however, inclining the body forward. - -The movements of the body must correspond with those of the horse and of -the rider's hands; thus, when the animal is moving regularly and -straight forward, the hands, or bridle-hand, being held firm and steady -immediately in front of the waist, the body must then be seated -squarely, with its front part to the front, so that the rider can look -directly between the ears of her steed. When the animal turns -completely around to the right or to the left, the shoulders and head of -the rider must also turn a little toward the direction taken by the -horse, while the hand must be slightly carried in an opposite direction. -When turning a corner, the entire body from the hips upward must incline -toward the centre of the circle of which the turn forms an arc, or, in -other words, the body must incline toward the direction taken by the -horse, and the degree of this inclination must be proportioned to the -bend of the horse's body, and to the rapidity of his pace while turning. - -When the horse advances, and the hands are relaxed, the body must -momentarily lean slightly forward without rounding the shoulders; this -will aid the horse in commencing his forward movement. In stopping him, -the rider's body must be inclined slightly backward as the hands rein -him in. All these movements should be made gradually, and never -abruptly. - -When a horse stumbles, or plunges from viciousness or high spirits, the -rider's body must be inclined backward, as this will enable her to -maintain her balance more effectually as well as to throw more weight -upon the reins. On the contrary, when he rears the bridle-hand must be -instantly advanced or relaxed, the body at the same time being inclined -well forward, which will throw the rider's weight upon the animal's -shoulders and fore-legs, and cause him to lower his fore-feet to the -ground. - -A horse is said to be =united= or =collected= when he moves easily in a -regular, stylish manner, well on his haunches, with head and neck in -proper position, his rider exercising perfect control over him by gentle -pressure upon his mouth, and keeping up the regular movements of the -animal by a quiet and dexterous "give and take" action of her hands. - -He is =disunited= when he moves in an irregular manner, or heavily upon -his fore-legs, occasioning the rider to support the weight of his neck -and shoulders; also, when the reins are too slack and exercise no -pressure upon his mouth, in which case, having no aid or support from -his rider's hand, he will move carelessly, or exactly as he pleases. - -In _collecting a horse_, the aid of the whip and the left leg will -frequently be required, as the rider's hand alone may not be sufficient. -In such a case, the left leg must be lightly pressed against his left -side and the whip at the same time be pressed against his right side; -these in conjunction with the action of the bridle-hand,[5] as -heretofore explained, will collect him and bring him up to his bridle -with his haunches well under him,--the proper position for starting. As -soon as he moves there should be only a light pressure on his mouth. In -order to perform the above feat effectively, the whip must not be too -limber and must always be held with its lash downward. This simultaneous -pressure of the whip and left leg has the same effect in collecting the -horse as that of the horseman's right and left legs. Should the horse -flag in his movements or move heavily upon his fore-legs, a repetition -of this pressure of the leg and whip, in conjunction with the proper -movements of the bridle-hand, will bring him well on his haunches and -lighten his action. - - Footnote 5: The bridle-hand being in the _original position_ for the - double bridle, the curb should be brought into action by a turn of the - wrist, which will carry the little finger in toward the waist; and - this, in conjunction with the leg and whip, will collect the horse. - -The horse is always animated by mild taps of the whip, light pressure of -the hand upon the curb, a clacking of the tongue, or an urging tone of -his mistress's voice. He is soothed and rendered confident by mild and -encouraging tones of voice, by the rider's sitting easily, by a gentle -hold upon the reins, and by caressing pats upon his neck and shoulders. - -In the directions given in this chapter, necessarily involving more or -less repetition, the author has endeavored to be as clear, -comprehensible, and simple as possible. And the rider will find it of -much greater advantage to have these instructions printed, than to be -required to learn them orally, as she can read and re-read them at -pleasure and have them thoroughly committed to memory before mounting -her horse. And, although it has required many pages to present these -instructions to the reader, she will find that their application will -prove very simple, and will also be agreeably surprised to observe the -great control she will have over the feelings and movements of her steed -through their agency. Horses are generally very sagacious, and appear to -recognize promptly any timidity, awkwardness, or ignorance on the part -of their riders, and, according to their temper or disposition, will -take advantage of such recognition, either by advancing carelessly or by -manifesting trickiness or viciousness. The best trained horse always -requires to be kept under command, but by kind treatment and correct -management. The horse, when ridden by a finished horsewoman, knows that -although allowed to move with a light rein he is under the control of a -masterly hand that will aid him in his efforts to please, but will -instantly bring him into submission if he does not yield entire -obedience. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE WALK. - - "And do you not love at evening's hour, - By the light of the sinking sun, - To wend your way o'er the widening moor, - Where the silvery mists their mystery pour, - While the stars come one by one? - Over the heath by the mountain's side, - Pensive and sweet is the evening's ride." - - E. PAXTON HOOD. - - -In walking, the horse moves nearly simultaneously the two legs that are -diagonally opposite to each other, first one pair, and then the other. -Thus, the right fore and the left hind leg make one step nearly at the -same time, and when these have touched the ground, the left fore and the -right hind leg are raised and advanced in a similar manner, and so on in -succession. In this manner as one pair of legs moves onward the other -pair sustains the weight of the animal; and of the two legs that act -together the fore one is raised from as well as placed upon the ground -slightly previous to the hind one. This is the reason why a horse which -walks well and in a regular manner will nearly or quite cover the -foot-marks of his fore-feet with those of his hind ones. If the -hind-foot should fall short of covering the track of the fore one, the -animal will not be a good walker; if, on the contrary, it should pass -somewhat beyond the mark of the fore-foot, it will indicate him to be a -fast walker, although he may overreach. - -In both the walk and the trot, when the horse is moving regularly, a -quick ear can detect four distinct beats or tappings of the feet; when -these beats mark equal time and sound exactly alike for each footstep, -it may be inferred that the horse is a good walker as well as a good -trotter, and that all his legs are sound. But if one beat be lighter -than the others, it may be assumed that there is some disease in the -foot or leg that produces this beat. Horse-dealers will often endeavor -to disguise this defect by adopting means to disable the animal -temporarily in his healthy leg, as the treads will then be made more -nearly alike, though the slight shade of difference thus effected can be -readily detected by a quick, experienced ear. These hoof-beats are best -heard when made on a hard road. - -A horse that is a good walker will move with a quick step, his hind-legs -well under him, his foot-taps marking regular time, and his feet -measuring exact distances, while he will lift his feet just high enough -to escape obstructions on the road, thrusting each foot well forward, -and placing it lightly, though firmly and squarely, upon the ground. He -will advance in a straight line, vacillating neither to the right nor -left, and should be able to accomplish at least from four to four and a -half miles per hour. - -The walk of a lady's horse is almost always neglected, and as a good -walk is a sure foundation for perfection in all other gaits, a lady -should positively insist that her steed be thoroughly trained in this -particular; especially if she be large and majestic looking, because the -walk will then become her specialty. A stout woman does not ride to the -best advantage at a rapid gait, but upon a horse that has the walk in -perfection she presents an imposing, queen-like appearance. If her -steed, however, be allowed to saunter along in a careless, listless -manner, all the charm will be destroyed, and the _tout ensemble_ will -present by no means a pleasing picture. - -The beginner in riding should learn to sit and manage her horse in a -walk, and should never attempt to ride a faster gait until she can -collect her steed, make him advance, turn him to the right and to the -left, and rein him back; this last movement is a very important one, -with which few teachers strive to make their pupils thoroughly -acquainted. Reining back will not only bring the horse under better -command, but, with a lady's horse, a short reining back from time to -time will improve his style of motion in his various gaits; besides -which, the rider may on some occasion be placed in a situation in which, -for her own safety, she will be compelled to move her horse backward. - -[Illustration: Fig. 29.--The Walk.] - -=To begin the walk=: The pupil, having placed herself in the saddle, -must not allow her horse to move until she is quite prepared, her skirt -adjusted, and the whip and reins properly arranged in her hands. Then, -drawing gently upon the curb and snaffle reins, a little more upon the -former than upon the latter, and at the same time gently pressing -against the animal's side with her left leg, and against his right side -with the whip, as heretofore explained, she will thus _collect her -horse_, and start him upon the walk. As soon as he has begun to move -forward, the pressure of the leg and whip must cease, and the hand or -hands must be held steady on the snaffle, the curb no longer being -required, unless the animal flags in his movements. The hold upon the -snaffle must be only tense enough to enable the rider to feel the -beat of the horse's action as he places each foot upon the ground, and -to give him a slight support and keep up an even action. Should this -support be too heavy, his step will be shortened, and he will be unable -to move freely; should it be insufficient, he will carry his head low, -will not raise his feet high enough to escape stumbling, will knock his -toes against every inequality of the ground, and both he and his rider -will present an indolent and listless aspect. Her attitude should be -easy and erect, but she should yield herself slightly to the movements -of the horse although without showing any lack of steadiness. (Fig. 29.) - -Should the horse be too much animated by the reins and whip at the -commencement of the walk, he may enter upon a jog trot, or an amble, in -which case he must be checked by gradually reining him in until he has -settled into a walk. Should he, on the contrary, not be sufficiently -animated, he will not exert himself and will move in an irregular and -indolent manner; in this case, he must be made to raise his head by a -slight pull upon the curb-reins, as already explained, and be again -collected and animated by the aid of the leg and whip. - -A short, abrupt =turn in the walk= should never be made, if it can -possibly be avoided; it is only in case of emergency that it should be -attempted, and even then it is more or less dangerous, because, as the -horse moves his legs diagonally in the walk, he may, when abruptly -turned, place one leg in the way of the other, be thrown off his -balance, and fall. When turning a horse completely around, it should -always be done in a deliberate manner. This rule should never be -forgotten, especially by a novice. - -During her first lessons in the walk, the pupil, in attempting to turn -her horse to the right, to the left, or completely around, must move him -very slowly, pressing her whip and left leg against his sides, and -keeping him well-balanced by proper support upon _both_ snaffle-reins. -In making a =turn to the right=, with a snaffle-rein in each hand, the -left hand must not abandon the horse, but retain a steady pressure upon -his mouth, while the tension upon the right rein must be increased by -moving the right hand and its little finger up and toward the body, at -the same time holding this hand a little lower than the left one. The -tension upon the right rein should be nearly double that made upon the -left, and should be kept up until the turn has been completed. In the -turn to the right, the left leg should make a little stronger pressure -than that made by the whip, to prevent the animal from throwing his -croup too far to the left; and in making the turn to the left, the whip -should press more strongly than the leg, in order to prevent the croup -from being carried too far to the right. - -In attempting =to turn= completely around =to the left=, the same -manoeuvring, though in an opposite direction, will be required; the -above directions for the two hands being simply reversed. - -Should the horse fail to turn in a regular manner, or refuse to obey the -reins readily, he must be collected, and brought up to the bridle in the -manner already described. This will cause him to raise his head and -place himself in a position to move in the required manner, and when -this is done the rider must slacken the tension upon the curb, and turn -him with the snaffle-rein. - -In making these turns, care must be taken to have ample space, and it -must not be forgotten, that while increasing the tension upon the rein -required to direct the turn, the other should not be slackened or -abandoned, but should continue to give support to the horse, though in a -less degree; and also that this tension upon the reins is much more -important when making a partial or complete turn, than when the animal -is moving forward in a straight line. For, if the reins be slackened, -and the horse left to himself, he will turn in an awkward manner, may -get one leg in the way of the other, and perhaps stumble or fall, -especially if the ground be slippery, or rough and uneven. - -It is a habit with many lady riders, as well as with multitudes of -horsemen, to make the turn by carrying the bridle-hand in the direction -of the turn, thus pressing the outward rein, or the one opposite to the -direction of the turn, against the horse's neck,--the inward rein being -completely slackened. This is a very dangerous fault and one that -instantly betrays ignorance of correct horsemanship, because the animal -is thus left without any support at a time when it is most needed. If a -rider has any regard for her own safety, she will remember this very -important rule, namely, _to support the horse on both reins when making -a turn_. - -When all the reins are held in the bridle-hand and a turn is to be made -to the left, the fault is sometimes committed of carrying the right hand -over to assist the left by pulling upon the left rein; this is -frequently done by ladies who have not been properly instructed, and -gives them an awkward appearance. When riding with the double bridle in -the bridle-hand, if the movements of the horse be controlled by this -hand and wrist, as explained in the preceding chapter, the turn to the -right or to the left can be effected without abandoning the horse by -relaxing one of the reins, and also without the assistance of the other -hand. These manoeuvres, accomplished easily and gracefully, indicate the -well-instructed and correct bridle-hand, the well-trained horse, and the -accomplished horsewoman, who will appear to manage her steed more by -mental influence than by any perceptible movements of her hands. - -=To stop in the walk=, in a correct and regular manner, is a sure -criterion of a good horsewoman, one that has her steed under complete -control, for this stop renders him more obedient, and tends to collect -him and to bring his haunches into a pliant condition. To accomplish -this stop properly, the rider must brace her arms firmly against her -sides,--being careful not to let her elbows protrude backward,--throw -her shoulders back, hold both reins evenly and firmly, and tighten the -tension upon them by turning the hand and little fingers up and carrying -them toward the waist, at the same time not omitting to press gently -against the horse's sides with the leg and whip. All this should be -accomplished by one simultaneous movement, and the degree of tension -made on the reins should be in proportion to the sensitiveness of the -horse's mouth. - -If the left leg and whip be not employed in making the stop, the horse -when brought to a stand may throw his weight upon his shoulders and -fore-legs,--which he should never be allowed to do, as it will destroy -the pleasing effect of the stop, and cause him to become disunited. The -animal should be so nicely balanced upon his haunches when he stops, -that, with a little more liberty of rein, he can readily move forward in -a united and collected manner. The reins must not be abruptly jerked, -but be drawn upon, as stated before, in a gradual and equal manner. -After the stop is completed, the reins may be so far relaxed as to -enable the horse to again advance, should it be required. The stop -should always be made when the animal is advancing straight forward, and -never, if it can possibly be avoided, when making a turn or going around -a corner. - -If, when attempting to stop the horse, he should _toss up his head_, the -bridle-hand must be kept low and firm, and the right hand be pressed -against his neck until his head is lowered, when the rein-hold may be -relaxed. In such a case, the rider must be on her guard, as a horse -which stops in this manner may rear, when she must immediately yield the -reins. - -The stop, especially in rapid gaits and when effected suddenly, is very -trying to the horse; it should therefore be made only when necessary, -and never to display the rider's superior command and excellent -horsewomanship; many horses, particularly those having weak loins, have -been caused much suffering and have had their dispositions completely -ruined by a too frequent and injudicious practice of the stop. - -In reining back or =backing in the walk=, the horse bends his haunches -and places one of his hind-legs under his body, upon which to rest and -balance himself; this enables him to collect force to impel his croup -backward. To favor this movement, the horse must be collected, brought -to stand square and even on his fore-legs, and then be reined backward -by a firm, steady, and equal pull upon both the right and left -snaffle-reins.[6] The hands should be held low and directly in front of -the body, with the knuckles down, and the little fingers turned up and -carried toward the body. During this whole movement care must be taken -not to elevate the hands. The body of the rider must bend somewhat -forward, with the waist drawn in, but without any rounding of the -shoulders, while the leg and the whip must make gentle pressure against -the horse's sides, so as to "bring him up to the bridle," and prevent -his deviating from the line in which it is desired to back him. The -backing must never be made by one continuous pull; but as soon as the -movement is commenced, the hands and body of the rider must yield so -that the horse may regain his balance, after which he may again be urged -backward. These actions should occur alternately, so that with every -step backward the rider will yield her hands, and immediately draw them -back again, continuing these movements until the horse has backed as far -as desired. If, instead of this course, a steady pull be made, the horse -may lose his balance and fall, or may be compelled to rear. - - Footnote 6: If the horse be tender in the mouth the snaffle-reins had - better be used in backing; if not, the curb. - -When reining the horse back the body must never be inclined backward, as -is necessary when stopping the horse; on the contrary, it must always be -inclined somewhat forward, as this will enable the hands to manage the -reins more effectively, will give the horse more freedom to recede, and, -should he rear, will place the rider in the proper balance. Should the -rider unfortunately incline her body backward, and the horse rear, she -would probably be unseated, and should she pull upon the reins in order -to sustain herself and keep her seat, the animal would be drawn -backward, and probably fall upon her. - -In backing, the pull upon the reins must never be made suddenly, but -always gradually, the hand rather soliciting than compelling. When the -reins are suddenly pulled upon, the horse is very apt to get his -hind-legs too far forward under him, in which case it is impossible for -him to move backward. - -In reining the horse directly backward, should his croup move out of -line to the right, the pressure of the whip must be increased, or gentle -taps be given with it upon his right side back of the saddle-flap, the -hand at the same time increasing the tension upon the right rein. The -taps of the whip must be very light, lest the animal turn too much to -the left. - -Should the croup swerve to the left, the rider must press her left leg -against her horse's side, or give light taps with her left heel upon his -side, turning the point of the toe out, moving the leg a little back, -and slightly separating the knee from the side of the saddle, in order -to give these taps; at the same time she must increase the tension upon -the left rein until the horse is brought into line. - -When it is desired to rein back, but with an inclination to the right, a -slight extra bearing or pull must be made upon the left rein, without -relaxing the steady tension upon the right one. A pressure with the whip -upon the right side of the horse must at the same time be kept up, in -order that he may not carry his croup too far to the right. - -In reining back with an inclination to the left, the pull upon the right -rein must be slightly increased, still keeping a steady feeling upon the -left one; then, by a constant pressure with the left leg upon the -horse's side, he will be prevented from carrying his croup too far to -the left. Reining back teaches the horse to move lightly, and improves -the style of his different gaits, but its effect is very severe upon -him, hence its practice should not be too frequent, and always of short -duration. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE TROT, THE AMBLE, THE PACE, THE RACK. - - "We ride and ride. High on the hills - The fir-trees stretch into the sky; - The birches, which the deep calm stills, - Quiver again as we speed by." - - OWEN INNSLY. - - -In the trot, the horse moves his legs in the same diagonal manner as in -the walk, the only difference being that in the trot they are moved more -rapidly. When trotting regularly and evenly, the right fore-foot and the -left hind-foot strike the ground nearly simultaneously, and then the -left fore-foot and the right hind-foot do the same; and so on -alternately, two legs being diagonally upon the ground at about the same -moment, while two legs are raised in the air. - -The strokes of the hoofs upon the ground are called "beats," and are -loud and quick, harmonizing with the animal's rapidity of motion and -length of step. The trot is the safest gait for a rider if the horse be -free from any defect in his limbs, as he will be less apt to stumble; -it is also less tiresome for the animal, because while two legs are -diagonally off the ground, the other two support the weight of his body, -and thus one pair alternately and quickly relieves the other. - -There are three varieties of trot, namely, the jog trot, the flying or -racing trot, and the true or even trot. In the _jog trot_ each foot is -placed nearly in the same track it occupied before it was raised, though -somewhat in advance of it, and it remains upon the ground a longer time -than when raised in the air, thus rendering the gait almost as slow as -the walk. If the horse be young and spirited, he will prefer this gait -to that of the walk, and, if permitted, will naturally adopt it. This -should be guarded against, and under no circumstances should he be -allowed to break into a jog trot; because, however accomplished the -rider may be, she will find it a very unpleasant and excessively -fatiguing gait, and one which will make her look very awkward. This -variety of trot, however, occasions less injury to the horse's feet and -legs than any other gait, and, on this account, it is preferred by most -farmers. - -In the _racing_ or _flying trot_, the horse is allowed to step out -without the least constraint, the legs being extended as far as -possible, and moving straight forward, while the animal spiritedly -enters into the occasion and gives out his full power. In this trot all -the legs are moved very rapidly, and the hind ones with more force than -the fore-legs, in order that the horse's body may, with each bound, be -propelled as far forward as possible. Between the two successive bounds -all four legs are momentarily off the ground. Very springy fetlocks tend -to diminish speed in the flying trot, and hence, not having such elastic -fetlocks, a good trotting racer is rough in his action and an -undesirable saddle-horse. - -In the _true_ or _even trot_, the action of the horse is regular, all -his limbs moving in an even manner, his feet measuring exact distances, -his hoof-beats being in equal time of _one, two, three, four_, and his -feet, when moving rapidly, touching the ground only for an instant. -There are two ways in which this trot may be ridden: one is to sit -closely to the saddle, moving as little as possible, and making no -effort to avoid the roughness of the gait. This is the method practiced -by the cavalry of this country, as well as by the armies in Europe, and -is called the "cavalry" or "French trot." - -The other method is to relieve the joltings by rising in the saddle in -time with the horse's step. This is called the "English trot," and is -the favorite gait of the European and the American civilian horsemen. It -is only during the last few years that this trot has been gradually -coming into favor with American horsewomen, although the ladies of -England, and of nearly all continental Europe, have for a long time -ridden this gait as well as the canter and hand gallop, having found -that by alternating the latter gaits with the trot they could ride -greater distances upon hard roads, and with much less fatigue to -themselves and their steeds. The English trot does not wear out the -horse so quickly as the gallop and canter; indeed, it has been generally -found that the horse's trot improves as he grows older, many horses -having become better trotters at their tenth or twelfth year than at an -earlier age. The trot in which the hoof-beats are in time of only _one, -two_, is very difficult to ride. - -In America, many persons condemn the English trot for lady riders, which -is hardly to be wondered at when one observes the various awkward and -grotesque attitudes that are assumed, even by many gentlemen, when -attempting to rise in the saddle. As for the ladies who have undertaken -this innovation, their appearance on horseback, from want of proper -training or from lack of attention to given rules, has, with but few -exceptions, been simply ridiculous. Even with correct teaching and -proper application, some ladies, although they acquire the English trot, -and do not make caricatures of themselves while employing it, yet do not -appear to such advantage as when in the canter or hand gallop. This is -also the case with European ladies, who differ very much in their power -to make this gait appear graceful. A small, slightly built person, -having a short measurement from the hip to the knee, can, when correctly -taught, ride this trot with much ease and grace. A tall woman will have -to lean too far forward with each rising movement of her steed, as her -length of limb will not permit a short rise; she will therefore appear -to much less advantage in this gait; while a stout built person will -look rather heavy in the rise from the saddle. - -However, whether a lady is likely to present an elegant appearance or -not when riding the English trot, she must, if she desires to become an -accomplished horsewoman, learn to ride this particular gait, as it will -enable her to gain a correct seat, to keep a better and more perfect -balance, and to become more thorough in the other gaits. From a hygienic -point of view, it will prove beneficial, and will preserve both rider -and horse from excessive fatigue when traveling long distances. Under -certain circumstances, it will also enable a lady to ride a man's horse, -which will be very apt to have this trot in perfection, and but little -knowledge of, or training in, any other gaits. In the country a regular -and sure trotting horse may often be readily obtained, while it will be -much more difficult to procure one with a light, easy canter or gallop. -This trot, when well cadenced and in perfect time, is very captivating, -as the rider escapes all jolting, and feels more as if she were flying -through the air than riding upon a horse. - -There is, however, one objection to the English trot to which attention -should be directed; namely, if the lady ride on a two-pommeled saddle, -and the horse happens to shy, or to turn around suddenly, while she is -in the act of rising, she is very likely to be unseated or thrown from -her horse. With the three-pommeled saddle, however, this accident will -be much less liable to occur, but the lady should always be on her guard -when riding this trot, especially if her steed be nervous; and to avoid -an accident of the kind just named, she should keep her left knee -directly under the third pommel, but without pressing up against it -enough to interfere with the rising motion, or just so close, that in -pressing upon the stirrup and straightening her knee she can rise about -four inches from the saddle; the distance between the upper surface of -the knee and the under surface of the pommel will then be about one and -a half, or two inches. If, in the rise, she does not find herself -embarrassed by the third pommel, she may know that the stirrup-leather -is of the correct length for this trot. The more rapid and regular the -trot, the easier and shorter will be the rise, and the less noticeable -the movements of the rider, because, when trotting fast, the rise will -be effected with but very little effort on her part, and will be almost -entirely due to the rapid action of the horse. To rise when trotting -slowly, will be neither easy nor pleasant for the rider, and in this -gait she will not appear to much advantage. - -In the =French= or =cavalry trot=, the body should be inclined a little -backward, being kept as firm as possible but without stiffness, while at -the same time the rider should sit as closely to the saddle as she can, -with the left knee directly under the third pommel, not using force to -press up against it, but simply holding it there to sustain the limb and -to assist in keeping it as firm and steady as possible during the -roughness of this gait--while the reins should be held a little firmer -than for the walk. This trot should never be ridden by ladies after -their first lessons in riding, unless the horse moves so easily in it -that his rider is not jolted in the least. To trot so softly that no -shock will be experienced by the rider as the horse's feet touch the -ground will require a thorough-bred of rare formation. - -Before the invention of the three-pommeled saddle the French trot was -always employed in the best riding-schools, a beginner being required to -practice it for a long time, in order to acquire the proper firmness in -the saddle; but since the invention of the third pommel the cavalry trot -has been almost entirely dispensed with, as this pommel at once gives a -firmness of seat that could be obtained on an old-fashioned two-pommeled -saddle only after taking many fatiguing lessons in the French trot. It -was this fatigue that caused so many persons to condemn horseback riding -for ladies, and it also proved a cause of discouragement to the pupils -in the riding-school, frequently giving rise to a decided dislike for -horseback exercise. But since the employment of the third pommel, it is -only necessary for the pupil to take two or three lessons in the -French trot, just enough to enable her to understand the movement, after -which she may proceed to rise in the English style. However, a knowledge -of the cavalry trot will be found useful, as a horse, when reined in -from a gallop or canter, will often trot a short distance before -stopping; and if the rider understands this trot, she will be able to -sit close to the saddle, and not appear awkward by jolting helplessly -about. - -[Illustration: Fig. 30.--The Trot.] - -Of all the styles of riding, there is none so difficult to describe or -to learn as the =English trot=. We will make an effort, however, to -render it comprehensible to the reader. Considerable study and practice -will be required to learn it perfectly, but when once learned it will -indicate the thoroughly accomplished horsewoman. (Fig. 30.) - -To commence the English trot, the rider must collect her horse, as for -the walk, and then, as he advances, keep a firm, even tension upon the -_snaffle-reins_, because, in this trot, the animal will rely wholly upon -his rider to support him and hold him to the pace, without the "give and -take" movements of the hands required in the other gaits. It is not -meant by this that a dead pull is to be made, but that the support must -be firm and steady, with a proper correspondence between the -bridle-hand and the horse's mouth. The elbows must be held steady and -lightly near the rider's sides, but not close against them. As the horse -extends his trot, an unpleasant roughness or jolting will be -experienced, which will give an upward impetus to the rider's body; the -moment she is conscious of this impetus, she must allow herself to be -raised from her horse in regular time with his step or hoof-beats. In -this trot, the horse will always have a leading foot, either the right -or left, and the foot he leads with is the one to which the rider must -rise,--rising when the leading foot is lifted, and touching the saddle -when this foot touches the ground. Most riders do this instinctively, as -it were, rising and falling with the leading foot. - -In _this rise_ the action of the horse alone will give the impetus; no -effort must be made by the lady, _except_ to press slightly, or rather -to sustain herself gently upon the stirrup, and keep her knee and instep -yielding and flexible with the rise. Care must be taken not to allow the -leg to swing forward and backward. The rise should be made as straight -upward as possible, the upper part of the body inclining forward no more -than is necessary to effect the rise with ease. The back must be kept -well curved, and the shoulders square to the front of the horse, -without lifting them up, or rounding them in rising. - -The =leading foot of the horse= is that fore-foot or leg with which he -commences his advance in the gait; it will always be carried somewhat -beyond its fellow, while, at the same time, that side of the animal's -body which corresponds with the leading foot will be a little more -advanced toward this foot, though almost imperceptibly so. Every rider -should be taught to know with which foot her horse leads. - -When a horse trots evenly and quickly, and with rather a short step, the -rise in the saddle will be barely perceptible; but when he trots slowly -and with a long step, the rise will have to be higher, in order that the -rider may keep time with the slowness and length of his step. In this -gait a tall woman will be very apt to prefer a long step to a short one. - -In making the rise, the rider must never assist herself by pulling upon -the reins, which should be held firm and low to give support _to the -horse alone_, not allowing them to slip in the least from between the -thumb and forefinger that should hold them steady. - -_The descent_ of the body to the saddle must be effected as gently as -possible. The right knee should be pressed against the second pommel, -and the left foot lean lightly upon the stirrup, the left foot and -instep being kept yielding and flexible with the descent, and the body -and right leg bearing[7] a little to the right. The descent should be -made just in time to catch the next impetus of the horse's movement, so -that the saddle will be hardly touched before the rider's body will -again be thrown upward to make the rise. - - Footnote 7: By "bearing to the right" is not meant an inclination of - the body to this side, but a resistance sufficient to keep the body - from inclining toward the left. As hereafter stated, trotting in a - circle to the _right_ will be found an excellent exercise to teach one - this bearing. - -It presents a very comical and inelegant appearance for a rider, whether -man or woman, when attempting the rising trot, to elevate and protrude -the shoulders, curve the back out so as to round it, lean forward toward -the horse's ears, with elbows sticking out from the rider's sides and -flopping like the wings of a restless bird, while the body is bobbing up -and down like a dancing-jack, out of all time with the movements of the -animal. One reason why some persons are so awkward in the rise is that -they sit too far back upon the saddle. This obliges them to sustain -themselves upon the stirrup obliquely, thus causing them to lean too -far forward in order to accomplish the rise more easily. Another cause -of awkwardness in the rising trot is an improperly constructed saddle. -The seat or platform should be as nearly level as a properly made saddle -will permit. When the front part or arch is much higher than the seat, -it will be difficult to use the second pommel as a point of support for -the right knee, which support is highly essential during the descent, in -this trot. It is a common thing to see riders exaggerate the rise by -pressing hard upon the stirrup and supporting themselves by the reins, -thus rising higher than necessary, and coming down with a heavy thump -upon the saddle; to which equestrian gymnastics they give the name of -"English trot." - -When rising and descending in the English trot, the left leg, from knee -to instep, must be held perpendicular and steady; the foot, from toe to -heel, must rest horizontally in the stirrup, and in a line with the -horse's side. The foot should not be allowed to turn out, nor the leg to -swing backward and forward: if the foot be pointed out, this will tend -to carry the body and leg too much toward the left, on the rise; and, if -the leg be allowed to swing, it will cause the rider to lose the rhythm -of the trot. Again, the stirrup must not be too strongly pressed upon, -as this will throw all the rider's weight upon the left side, and may -cause the saddle to turn. On making the rise, great care must be taken -not to advance the left shoulder, nor to turn the body to the left; many -riders do these things with the idea that they will enable them to rise -with more ease. But this is an error, for such movements will not only -occasion fatigue, but will also render the rein-hold unsteady, and the -action of the foot and knee uncertain. The body and shoulders must -always be square to the front when the horse is trotting straight -forward, the body remaining as erect as the action of the horse will -allow. - -=To stop= a well-trained horse =in this gait=, it will simply be -necessary for the rider to cease rising, sit down to the saddle, and -gradually loosen the reins. Many horses, however, are trained to make -the stop in the usual way, by having the reins tightened. The advance -and the turns are to be conducted in the same manner as that described -for the walk. - -In the English trot, the horse must be kept well up to his gait; should -he appear to move heavily or disunitedly the reins must be gradually -shortened, and the animal be collected. Should he step short, in a -constrained manner, the reins must be gradually lengthened, to give him -more freedom. If he break into a gallop when it is desired that he -should trot, he must be gradually reined in to a walk, and then be -started again upon a trot, and this course must be repeated until he -obeys, stopping him every time he attempts to gallop, and then starting -the trot anew. If he trot too rapidly, he must be checked, by bracing -the bridle-hand and increasing the pull upon the reins. If the trot be -too slow, the hand must relax the reins a little, and the horse be -animated by the voice, and by gentle taps with the whip. To regulate the -trot, to keep it smooth and harmonious, to rein in the horse gently -without rendering him unsteady, and then gradually to yield the hand so -that he may move forward again in a regular manner, are very difficult -points for beginners to accomplish while still keeping up the proper -support upon the bit, and will require study and considerable practice. - -A horse should never be urged into a more rapid trot than he can execute -in an even, regular manner; if compelled to exceed this, he will break -into a rough gallop, or into such an irregular trot as will render it -impossible for the rider to time the rise. - -An accomplished horsewoman, when trotting her horse, will make no -observable effort, and there will be perfect harmony between her steed -and herself. When the English trot is ridden in this manner, the person -who can condemn it must, indeed, be extremely fastidious. However, it -must be acknowledged that it will require the lithe, charming figure of -a young lady to exhibit its best points, and to execute it in its most -pleasing and graceful style. The very tall, the inactive, or the stout -lady may ride this gait with ease to herself and horse, and when -properly taught will not render herself awkward or ridiculous, but she -can never ride it with the willowy grace of the slender woman of medium -size. - -=Trotting in a circle= may be practiced in a riding-school, or upon a -level, open space or ground, having a circular track about seventy-five -or eighty feet in diameter. It is very excellent practice, especially in -teaching the rider to rise in unison with the horse's trot, whether he -leads with the right or left leg. For first lessons, the pupil must -commence by circling to the right, as this is the easiest to learn, and -will teach her to bear toward the right side of the horse. It is very -essential that in first lessons she should do this; because in the -English trot she will have to guard carefully against inclining to the -left in the rise and descent, a fault common to all beginners who are -not better instructed. - -In circling, the horse will always incline toward the centre of the -circle, with which inclination the rider's body must correspond, by -leaning in the same direction; if this precaution should be neglected -and the horse be trotting rapidly, the rider will lose her balance, and -fall off on the side opposite to that of the inclination. The distance -she should lean to the right or to the left must be in proportion to the -size of the circle that is being passed over, and also to the inward -bearing of the horse's body. Should the circle be small and the gait -rapid, the inclination of the rider's body will have to be considerable -to enable her to maintain her seat and keep in unison with the horse. If -the circle be large, say eighty feet in diameter, the inclination will -be slight. - -In order to _circle to the right_, when holding a curb and a snaffle -rein in each hand, the pupil must collect her horse by the aid of curb, -leg, and whip, as already explained, and start him forward on the -snaffle, holding the right rein a little lower than the left, and -drawing it enough to enable her to see plainly the corner of his right -eye; the reins must be held steadily, no sudden jerks being given to -them, as these will cause the horse to move irregularly and swerve -about. Should his croup be turned too much to the right, the pressure of -the whip will bring it to the left; if it be turned too much to the -left, the pressure of the left leg will bring it to the right. - -In _circling to the left_, the horse will incline his body to the left, -toward the centre of the circle. It is not very easy to learn to circle -to the left, but when once learned, it will be found no more difficult -than circling to the right, provided the animal has been properly -trained and made supple, so as to lead with either leg. Horses that have -been trained to lead with the right leg only will, when required to -change and lead with the left, move in a confined, inflexible, and -irregular manner, so that it will be impossible to time the rise from -the saddle. In riding in the circle to the left, the directions for -circling to the right must be reversed, the rider leaning to the _left_, -pulling the _left_ rein a little tighter, etc. Great care must be taken, -however, not to lean too much toward the left in making the rise. The -degree of inclination should not in this case be so great as the -corresponding inclination when circling to the right, for if it is the -rider will throw her weight too much upon the stirrup side, and may -cause the saddle to turn. - -In practicing riding in a circle, it will be found very advantageous to -vary the size of the circle, first riding in a large one, then gradually -contracting it, and again enlarging it; or the rider, while practicing -upon a large circle, may make a cross-cut toward the centre of this -circle, so as to enter upon another one of smaller diameter, and, after -riding for a short time in the smaller circle, she may again pass out to -resume her ride upon the larger one. These changes from large to narrow -circles form excellent practice for pupils, but should always, if -possible, be performed under competent instruction. - -The first lessons in trotting in a circle should always be of short -duration, and the pupil required to ride slowly, the speed being -gradually increased as she gains knowledge and confidence. The moment -she experiences fatigue she should dismount, and rest, before resuming -the lesson. - -=In the amble= the horse's movements very strongly resemble those of the -camel, two legs on one side moving together alternately with the two -legs of the other side. Thus one side of the animal supports the weight -of his body, while the other side moves forward, and so on in -alternation. This is an artificial gait, and one to which the horse must -usually be trained; though some horses whose ancestors have been forced -to travel in this gait, have themselves been known to amble without any -training. In the feudal ages it was the favorite pace for a lady's -palfrey, but at the present day it is no longer countenanced by good -taste. - -=The pace=, however, which is so well liked by many ladies in this -country, is a kind of amble, although the steps taken are longer. A good -pacer can frequently travel faster than most horses can in the trot. -When the steed moves easily and willingly, the pace is very pleasant for -short rides, but for long journeys, unless the animal can change his -gait to a hand gallop or a canter, it will become very unpleasant and -tiresome. Many pacers are almost as rough in their movements as the -ordinary trotter; and although they do not jolt the rider up and down -upon the saddle, yet they jerk her body in such a manner as successively -and alternately to throw one side forward and the other slightly back -with each and every step, rendering a ride for any distance very -fatiguing. - -=The rack=, at one time so much liked, has become almost obsolete. This -is a peculiar gait, not easily described, in which the horse appears to -trot with one pair of legs and amble with the other, the gait being so -mixed up between an amble and a defective trot as to render it almost a -nondescript. When racking, the horse will appear constrained and -uncomfortable, and will strongly bear upon the rider's hand; some -animals so much so, as completely to weary the bridle-hand and arm in a -ride of only an hour or two. This constant bearing of the horse's head -upon the reins soon renders him hard mouthed, and, consequently, not -easily and promptly managed. The rack soon wears out a horse, besides -spoiling him for other gaits, and so injures his feet and legs that a -racker will rarely be suitable for the saddle after his eighth year. It -is an acquired step, much disliked by the horse, which has always to be -forced into it by being urged forward against the restraint of a -curb-bit; and he will, whenever an opportunity presents, break into a -rough trot or canter, so that the rider has to be constantly on the -watch, and compel him to keep in the rack against his will. And although -the motion does not jolt much, the aspect of the horse and rider is not -as easy and graceful as in the canter and hand gallop, there being an -appearance of unwillingness and restraint that is by no means pleasing. -The directions for the French trot will answer for both the pace and the -rack, except that in the latter the traction upon the reins must be -greater. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE CANTER. - - "When troubled in spirit, when weary of life, - When I faint 'neath its burdens, and shrink from its strife, - When its fruits, turned to ashes, are mocking my taste, - And its fairest scene seems but a desolate waste, - Then come ye not near me, my sad heart to cheer - With friendship's soft accents or sympathy's tear. - No pity I ask, and no counsel I need, - But bring me, oh, bring me my gallant young steed, - With his high arched neck, and his nostril spread wide, - His eye full of fire, and his step full of pride! - As I spring to his back, as I seize the strong rein, - The strength to my spirit returneth again! - The bonds are all broken that fettered my mind, - And my cares borne away on the wings of the wind; - My pride lifts its head, for a season bowed down, - And the queen in my nature now puts on her crown!" - - GRACE GREENWOOD. - - -In the gallop, the horse always has a leading foot or leg. In _leading -with the right fore-foot_, he will raise the left one from the ground, -and then the right will immediately follow, but will be advanced -somewhat beyond the left one; and this is the reason why, in this case, -the right side is called the "leading side." In the descent of the -fore-feet, the left one will touch the ground first, making the first -beat, and will be immediately followed by the leading or right -fore-foot which will make the second beat. The hind-legs are moved in a -similar way, the left hind-foot making the third beat, and the right one -the fourth. These beats vary in accordance with the adjustment of the -horse's weight, but when he gallops true and regular, as in the canter, -the hoof-beats distinctly mark _one_, _two_, _three_, _four_. In the -rapid gallop the hoof-beats sound in the time of _one-two_, or -_one-two-three_. - -In _leading with the left foot_, the left side of the horse will be -advanced slightly and the left leg be carried somewhat beyond the right, -the action being just the reverse of that above described when leading -with the right leg. In this case the left side is termed the "leading -side." The hoof-beats of horses in the trot and gallop have been -admirably rendered by Bellini, in the opera of "Somnambula," just -previous to the entrance of Rudolfo upon the stage. There are three -kinds of gallop, namely, the _rapid_ or _racing_, the _hand gallop_, and -the _canter_. - -=The canter= is a slow form of galloping, which the horse performs by -throwing his weight chiefly upon his hind-legs, the fore ones being used -more as supports than as propellers. Horses will be found to vary in -their modes of cantering, so much so as to render it almost impossible -to describe them accurately. Small horses and ponies have a way of -cantering with a loose rein, and without throwing much weight upon their -haunches, moving their feet rapidly, and giving pattering hoof-beats. -Most ponies on the Western prairies canter in this manner, and it is -said to be a very easy gait for a horseman though very unpleasant, from -its joltings, for a lady. - -Another canter is what might be termed the "canter of a livery-stable -horse." This appears to be partly a run and partly a canter, a -peculiarity which is due to the fact that one or more of the animal's -feet are unsound, and he adopts this singular movement for the purpose -of obtaining relief. The little street gamins in London recognize the -sound of this canter at once, and will yell out, in time with the -horse's hoof-beats, "three pence, two pence," in sarcastic derision of -the lady's hired horse and the unhappy condition of his feet. - -In the true canter, which alone is suitable for a lady, the carriage of -the horse is grand and elegant. In this gait, the animal has his -hind-legs well under his body, all his limbs move regularly, his neck -has a graceful curve, and responds to the slightest touch of the -rider's hand upon the reins. A horse that moves in this manner is one -for display; his grand action will emphasize the grace of a finished -rider, and the appearance of the _tout ensemble_ will be the extreme of -elegance and well-bred ease. - -Horses intended for ladies' use are generally trained to lead in the -canter with the right or off fore-foot. Most lady riders, whose lessons -in riding have been limited, sit crosswise upon their saddles. This -position, without their being aware of it, places them more in unison -with the horse's movements, and thereby renders the canter with this -lead the easiest gait for them. But if a horse be constantly required to -canter with this lead he will soon become unsound in his left hind-leg, -because in leading with the right fore-foot he throws the greater part -of his weight upon his left hind-leg, and thus makes it perform double -duty. For this reason the majority of ladies' horses, when the canter is -their principal gait, will be found to suffer from strained muscles, -tendons, and articulations. - -A finished rider will from time to time relieve her horse by changing -the lead to the left leg, or else she will change the canter to a trot. -Should her horse decidedly refuse to lead with the foot required, -whether right or left, it may be inferred that he is unsound in that leg -or foot; in which case he should be favored, and permitted to make his -own lead, while the canter should frequently be changed to a walk. - -[Illustration: Fig. 31.--Entering upon the Canter with the Right Leg -leading.] - -To =commence the canter=, the horse must be brought to a walk, or to a -stand, then be placed on his haunches, and collected by means of the -curb, left leg, and whip; and then the bridle-hand must be raised, while -the second, third, and fourth fingers are moved to and fro, so as to -give gentle pulls upon the curb-reins, thus soliciting the animal to -raise his fore-feet. In performing these manoeuvres, the rider must be -careful to direct the leg with which she desires her horse to lead. This -may be done as follows: If she desires to have the =right leg lead=, the -tension upon the left curb-rein must, _just before_ the animal rises to -take his first step, be increased enough to make him incline his head so -far to the left that the rider can see his left nostril, while, -simultaneously, her left leg must press against his side. By these -means, the horse will be prompted to place himself obliquely, with his -head rather to the left, and his croup to the right. - -The rider, if seated exactly in the centre of her saddle, must take a -position corresponding to that of the horse, by throwing her right hip -and shoulder somewhat forward, her face looking toward the animal's -head, while her body is held erect with the shoulders gracefully -inclined backward, and the hollow of the back well curved inward. Any -stiffness or rigidity of the body must be guarded against in these -movements and positions. The rider must hold herself in a pliant manner, -and yield to the motions of the horse. The left leg must be held steady, -the knee being placed directly underneath the third pommel, and care -must be taken not to press upon the stirrup, as this will tend to raise -the body from the saddle, and convey its weight almost wholly to the -left side. - -The hands must be held somewhat elevated and steady, and, as the horse -advances, the tension on the reins must be even, so that the fingers can -feel every cadence of his step, and give and take with his movements. -Unlike the trot, in which the horse must be supported by the snaffle, -the canter will require the curb to sustain and keep up his action. -After the animal has started in the canter with the right leg leading, -should he incline too much to the left, the tension upon the right rein -must be increased, so as to turn his head more to the right and bring -him to the proper inclination for the lead of the right leg. This -correction must be effected gradually and lightly, so as not to disturb -the gait, or cause him to change his leading leg. This canter with the -right leg leading is very easy to learn, and will not require much -practice to master. - -However, should the horse fail to obey these indications of the left -rein and leg, and start off in a false and disunited manner, as -explained under "the turn in the canter," another course should be -pursued, namely: the tension upon the right or off curb-rein must be -increased so as to bring the animal's nose to the right, as if he were -going to turn to the right on a curve, while at the same time the left -leg must be pressed against his side in order to have him carry his -croup slightly to the right. Now he must be made to lift his fore-feet -by increased tension on both curb reins, and then be urged forward. As -he advances, the hands should be extended a little to give him more -freedom in the spring forward, and he will then naturally lead with the -right side advanced. When once started in this gait, the rider must -equalize the tension upon the reins, having placed herself in the -saddle, in the manner explained for the canter. To have him lead with -the left leg, a similar but reversed course must be pursued, using -pressure with the whip, instead of the leg, to make him place his croup -to the left. - -To canter with the =left leg leading= will be found more difficult to -acquire, and will demand more study and practice. The horse, having been -collected, must then be inclined obliquely to the right. To accomplish -this, the rider must increase the tension of the right curb-rein, and -press her whip against the animal's right side, which will urge his head -to the right and his croup to the left. In order that the position of -the rider's body may correspond with that of the horse, her left hip and -shoulder must be slightly advanced, in precedence of her right hip and -shoulder. It will be observed that the manoeuvring in this lead is -similar to that in which the right leg leads, except that the -_direction_ of the positions, of the management of the reins, and of the -horse's bearing during the canter is simply reversed; in either lead, -however, the tension or bearing upon the reins, as the horse advances in -the canter, must be equal. - -It may be proper to state here that, as the amount of tension needed -upon the reins when cantering varies considerably with different horses, -some needing only the lightest touch, the rider will, consequently, have -to ascertain for herself how much will be suitable for her horse. Some -horses, after having fairly started in the canter, will bend their necks -so as to carry their chin closer to the throat, while others again will -extend the neck so as to carry the chin forward. In the first instance, -the reins will have to be shortened in order to give the animal the -proper support in the gait, as well as to keep up the correspondence -between his mouth and the bridle-hand; in the latter they will require -to be lengthened, to give him more freedom in his movement. Should the -reins be held too short, or the rider's hand be heavy and unyielding, -the horse will be confined in his canter; should the reins be held too -long, he will canter carelessly, and will either move heavily upon his -fore-legs, or break into an irregular trot. - -A rider may by attending to the following directions readily determine -whether her horse be leading with the leg she desires, and also whether -he be advancing in a true and united manner: If he be moving regularly -and easily, with a light play upon the reins in harmony with the give -and take movements of the hand, his head being slightly inclined in a -direction opposite to that of the leading leg, and his action being -smooth and pleasant to the rider, he will, as a rule, be cantering -correctly. But if he be moving roughly and unevenly, giving the rider a -sensation of jolting, if his head is inclined toward the same side as -that of the leading leg, and he does not yield prompt obedience to the -reins, then he is not cantering properly, and should be immediately -stopped, again collected, and started anew. If necessary this course -should be repeated until he advances regularly and unitedly. - -Some horses, after having fairly entered upon the canter, will change -the leading leg, and will even keep changing from one to the other, at -short intervals. This is a bad habit, and one that will never be -attempted by a well-trained animal, unless his rider does not understand -how to support him correctly and to keep him leading with the required -leg. A horse should never be allowed to change his leading leg except at -the will of his rider; and should he do so, he should be chidden and -stopped instantly, and then started anew. - -If the rider when trotting rapidly wishes to change to a canter, she -must first moderate the trot to a walk, because the horse will otherwise -be apt to break from the trot into a rapid gallop. Should he insist upon -trotting, when it is desired that he should canter, he must be stopped, -collected with the curb-bit, as heretofore described in the directions -for commencing the canter, and started anew. This course must be -repeated every time he disobeys, and be continued until he is made to -canter. - -It may be remarked here that, in the canter, whenever the horse moves -irregularly, advances heavily upon his fore-legs, thus endeavoring to -force his rider's hand, or when he fails to yield ready obedience, he -should always be stopped, collected, and started anew,--repeating this -course, if necessary, several times in succession. Should the animal, -however, persist in his disobedience, pull upon the reins, and get his -head down, his rider must, as he moves on, gently yield the -bridle-reins, and each time he pulls upon them she must gradually, but -firmly, increase the tension upon them, by drawing them in toward her -waist. This counter-traction must be continued until the horse yields to -the bridle and canters properly. When he pulls upon the reins his rider -in advancing her hands to yield the reins should be careful to keep her -body erect, and not allow it to be pulled forward. - -=The turn in the canter.= In turning to _the right_, if the horse is -leading with the inward leg, or the one toward the centre of the circle -of which the distance to be turned forms an arc, in the present -instance the right fore-leg which is followed by the right hind-leg, he -is said to be true and united, and will be able to make the turn safely. -Should the turn be made toward _the left_, the horse leading with his -inward or left fore-leg, followed by the left hind-leg, he will likewise -be true and united. - -On the contrary, the animal will be disunited when, in cantering to the -right, he leads with the right fore-leg followed by the left hind-leg, -or when he leads with the left fore-leg followed by the right hind-leg. -In either case, from want of equilibrium in action and motion, a very -slight obstruction may make him fall. - -In turning toward the left, in a canter, the horse will be disunited if -he leads with the left fore-leg followed by the right hind-leg, or if he -leads with the right fore-leg followed by the left hind-leg, as in the -preceding instance, he will be liable to fall. A horse is said to go -false when, in turning to the right, in the canter, he leads with both -left legs, or advances his left side beyond his right; also, when in -cantering to the left he leads with both right legs or advances his -right side beyond his left; in either of these false movements he will -be very liable to fall. - -When it is desired to =turn to the right=, in the canter, the horse -must be kept well up to the bridle, so as to place his haunches forward -and well under him, thus keeping him light on his fore-legs, and -preventing his bearing too heavily upon his shoulders; and, while the -inward rein is being tightened in order to make the turn, the outward -one must continue to support the horse, being just loose enough to allow -him to incline his head and neck toward the inner side of the turn. -Pressure from the left leg of the rider will keep the animal from -inclining his haunches too much to the left, during the turn. Should the -steed be turned merely by means of the inward rein, without being kept -well up to the bridle, and without either leg or whip being used upon -his outer side, he will turn heavily upon his forehand, and will be -obliged to change to the outward leg in order to support himself. This -will cause him, after the turn has been accomplished, to advance in a -disunited way in the canter. - -When it is desired to =turn to the left=, the instructions in the -preceding paragraph may be pursued, the directions, however, being -reversed and pressure with the whip being employed instead of that with -the leg. - -Sudden, sharp turns, are always dangerous, however sure-footed the horse -may be, and especial care should be taken not to turn quickly to the -right when the left fore-leg leads, nor to the left when the right -fore-leg leads, as in either case the animal will almost certainly be -thrown off his balance. In turning a "sharp corner," especially when the -rider cannot see what she is liable to encounter, it will be better for -her to make the turn at a walk, and keep her own side of the road, the -right. - -=The stop in the canter.= In bringing the horse to a stand, in the -canter, he should be well placed on his haunches by gradually increasing -the pull upon the curb-reins just as his fore-feet are descending toward -the ground; the hind-feet being then well under the horse will complete -the stop. The rider must guard against leaning forward, as this will not -only prevent the horse from executing the stop in proper form, but -should he suddenly come to a stand, it will throw her still farther -forward, and the reins will become relaxed. Now, while she is thus -leaning forward, should the animal suddenly raise his head, the two -heads will be very likely to come into unpleasant contact; or should the -horse stumble, his liability to fall will be increased, because the -rider will not be in a proper position to support him, and will increase -the weight upon his shoulders, by being so far forward. - -Many ladies not only lean forward while effecting the stop, but also -draw the bridle-hand to the left, and carry the bridle-arm back so that -the elbow projects behind and beyond the body, while at the same time -they elevate the shoulder on this side. This is an extremely awkward -manner of bringing a horse to a stand. The stop should be made in the -same manner as that described in the walk, that is, by gradually drawing -the bridle-hand toward the waist, etc. - -Nearly all horses, unless exceptionally well trained, will trot a short -distance before coming to a stand in the canter or gallop, and it is -here that a knowledge of the French or cavalry trot will prove -essential, because the rider will then comprehend the motion, and will -sit closely to the saddle until the horse stops. In all cases, the horse -should be brought to a stand in a regular, collected manner, so that -with a little more liberty of rein he can promptly reenter upon the -canter, should this be desired. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE HAND GALLOP.--THE FLYING GALLOP. - - "Now we're off like the winds to the plains whence they came; - And the rapture of motion is thrilling my frame! - On, on speeds my courser, scarce printing the sod, - Scarce crushing a daisy to mark where he trod! - On, on like a deer, when the hound's early bay - Awakes the wild echoes, away, and away! - Still faster, still farther, he leaps at my cheer, - Till the rush of the startled air whirs in my ear! - Now 'long a clear rivulet lieth his track,-- - See his glancing hoofs tossing the white pebbles back! - Now a glen dark as midnight--what matter?--we'll down - Though shadows are round us, and rocks o'er us frown; - The thick branches shake as we're hurrying through, - And deck us with spangles of silvery dew!" - - GRACE GREENWOOD. - - -The hand gallop is an intermediate gait between the canter and the -flying gallop. Its motion, though rather rapid, is smooth, easy, and -very agreeable for both rider and steed. Nearly all horses, especially -spirited ones, prefer this movement to any other; the bronchos on the -plains of the far West will keep up this long, easy lope or hand gallop -for miles, without changing their gait, or requiring their riders to -draw rein, and without any apparent fatigue. This pace is likewise a -favorite one with riding parties, as the motion is so smooth that -conversation can be kept up without difficulty. If the animal's -movements are light, supple, and elegant, the lady rider presents a very -graceful appearance when riding this gait, as the reactions in it are -very mild; it is the gait _par excellence_, for a country ride. - -On a breezy summer morning, there is nothing more exhilarating than a -ride at a hand gallop, on a willing, spirited horse; it brightens the -spirits, braces the nerves, refreshes the brain, and enables one to -realize that "life is worth living." - - "I tell thee, O stranger, that unto me - The plunge of a fiery steed - Is a noble thought,--to the brave and free - It is music, and breath, and majesty,-- - 'Tis the life of a noble deed; - And the heart and the mind are in spirit allied - In the charm of a morning's glorious ride." - -Let all gloomy, dyspeptic invalids try the cheering effects of a hand -gallop, that they may catch a glimpse of the sunlight that is always -behind even the darkest cloud of despondency. - -When the horse is advancing in a collected canter, if the rider will -animate him a little more by gentle taps with the whip, and then as he -springs forward give him more liberty of the curb-rein, he will enter -upon a =hand gallop=. In this gait he will lead either with the left or -the right foot, but the oblique position of his body will be very -slight. The management of the reins, the turns to the right or to the -left, the stop, and the position of the rider's body, must, in this gait -be the same as in the canter, except that the body need not be quite so -erect, and the touch upon the reins must be very light, barely -appreciable. - -If riding a spirited horse, the lady must be upon her guard, lest he -increase his speed and enter into a flying or racing gallop. Any horse -is liable to do this when he has not been properly exercised, especially -if he is with other horses, when a spirit of rivalry is aroused, and he -sometimes becomes almost unmanageable from excitement. Many -livery-stable horses, although quiet enough in the city, will, when -ridden upon country roads, especially in the spring, require all the -skill of their riders to keep them under control. The change from the -stone and brick of the city or town to the odor of the fresh grass and -the sight of green fields has an exhilarating effect upon them, and -makes them almost delirious with gladness, so that they act like -anything but sensible, quiet, well-worked horses. - -When her horse manifests any such disposition, the rider must retain her -presence of mind, and not permit any nervousness or excitement on her -part to increase that of her horse. She must keep him well under the -control of the curb-bit, and not allow him to increase his speed; when -he endeavors to do so, she must sit erect, and every time his fore-feet -touch the ground she must tighten the curb-reins, by drawing them -gradually but firmly toward her waist. She will thus check the animal's -desire to increase his speed, by compelling him to rest upon her hand at -short intervals until he can be brought under command and again made -obedient. Care must be taken not to make this strong pull upon the -animal's mouth constant, as this will be more apt to increase than to -lessen his speed, and will also prevent her from turning him readily -should she encounter any object upon the road. - -Should the horse, however, continue to disobey the commands of his -rider, and persist in his efforts to increase his speed, she must then -lean well back, and "saw his mouth" with the snaffle-reins, that is, she -must pull first one of these reins and then the other in rapid -succession; this may cause him to swerve out of a straight course, but -if he has a snaffle-bit separate from the curb this sawing will -generally have the desired effect, and stop him. - -If the horse should get his head down and manifest a disposition to -change the full gallop into a runaway, the rider must, as she values her -own safety, keep her body well inclined backward, for some horses, when -excited, will, while their riders are endeavoring to check or control -them, kick up as they gallop along, and the rider, unless she is -prepared for such movements, will be in danger of being thrown. In such -a case every effort must be made to raise the horse's head. To do this, -the rider must slacken the curb-reins for a moment, and then suddenly -give them a strong, decided jerk upward; this will cause a severe shock -to the horse's mouth, and make him raise his head and stop suddenly, a -movement that may throw her toward or upon the front of the saddle with -considerable force, unless she guard herself against such an accident by -leaning well back. - -Should the horse, when galloping at full speed, turn a corner in spite -of the efforts of his rider, she must keep a steady pull upon the outer -curb-rein, and lean well back and in toward the centre of the curve -which the horse is describing in his turn. All this must be done -quickly, or she will lose her balance and fall off upon the outer side. - -During all these violent efforts of the horse the rider must keep a -firm, steady seat, pressing her left knee up strongly against the third -pommel, and at the same time holding the second clasped firmly by the -bend of her right knee. If she recollects to do all this, there will be -little cause for alarm, as it will then be very difficult for her horse -to unseat her. The combined balance and grip of limbs will give her a -firmer seat than it is possible for a man to acquire in his saddle. - -[Illustration: Fig. 32.--The Flying Gallop.] - -=In the flying or racing gallop= the horse manifests the utmost -capabilities of his speed, his body at every push of his hind-legs being -raised from the ground so quickly that he will appear as if almost -flying through the air; hence the name "flying gallop." In this gait it -is unimportant with which leg the horse leads, provided the advance of -the hind-leg on the same side as that of the leading one be made -correspondingly. It is advisable that every lady rider should learn to -sit the flying gallop, as she will then be better able to maintain her -seat, and to manage her horse should she ever have the misfortune to be -run away with. (Fig. 32.) - -Many ladies, when riding in the country, enjoy a short exhilarating -flying gallop; and for their benefit a few instructions are here given -that will enable them to indulge their _penchant_ for rapid riding, -without danger to themselves, or injury to their horses. Before the lady -attempts rapid riding, however, she must be thoroughly trained in all -the other gaits of the animal, must possess strong, healthy nerves, and -must have sufficient muscular power in her arms to hold and manage her -horse, and to stop him whenever occasion requires; she must also have -fitted to his mouth a curb-bit which possesses sufficient power to -control him and to bring him to a stand, when this is desired. Above -all, her horse must be sure-footed, and free from any and every defect -that might occasion stumbling. - -Every point having been carefully attended to, and the lady being ready -for the ride, she must sit firmly upon the centre of the saddle, -grasping the second and third pommels, as described above. She must be -careful not to press strongly upon the stirrup, as this will tend to -raise her body from the saddle. From the hips down the body and limbs -must be held as immovable as possible. The body, below the waist, must -by its own weight, aided by the clasp of the right and left legs upon -their respective pommels, secure a firm seat upon the saddle. From the -waist up the body must be pliable, the shoulders being well back, and -the back curved in, so that the rider may keep her balance, and control -the horse's action. The reins must be held separately, in the manner -described for holding the double bridle-reins in both hands. The animal -must be ridden and supported by the snaffle-reins, the curb being held -ready to check him instantly should he endeavor to obtain the mastery. -The hands must be held low, and about six or eight inches apart, and the -rider's body must lean back somewhat. - -Leaning forward is a favorite trick of the horse-jockey when riding a -race, as it is supposed to assist the horse, and also enable the rider -to raise himself on the stirrups; but as lady riders are not -horse-jockeys, and are not supposed to ride for a wager, but simply for -the enjoyment of an exhilarating exercise, it will not be at all -necessary for them to assume this stooping posture. Many of the best -horsemen, when riding at full gallop in the hunting field, or on the -road, prefer to incline the body somewhat backward, this having been -found the safest as well as most graceful position for the rider. - -As the horse moves rapidly forward, the rider, while keeping a firm hand -upon the snaffle-reins so as to give full support to the horse, must be -sure with every stride of the animal to "give and take," and this -motion, instead of being limited to the hands and wrists, as in all -other gaits, must in this one embrace the whole of the fore-arms, which, -using the elbows as a hinge, should move as far as is necessary. - -To =stop the horse= in a flying gallop, the curb-reins must be drawn -upward and toward the waist gradually, for should they be pulled upon -suddenly it would be apt to stop him so abruptly that he would either -become overbalanced, or cross his legs, and fall. - -In this gait, the rider should never attempt to turn her horse except -upon a very large circle, because, even when in the proper position, -unless she possesses great muscular power, she will be almost certain to -be thrown off on the outward side by the forcible and vigorous impetus -imparted. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE LEAP.--THE STANDING LEAP.--THE FLYING LEAP. - - "Soft thy skin as silken skein, - Soft as woman's hair thy mane, - Tender are thine eyes and true; - All thy hoofs like ivory shine, - Polished bright; oh, life of mine, - Leap, and rescue Kurroglou!" - - Kyrat, then, the strong and fleet, - Drew together his four white feet, - Paused a moment on the verge, - Measured with his eye the space, - And into the air's embrace - Leaped as leaps the ocean serge. - - LONGFELLOW, _The Leap of Roushan Beg_. - - -A lady rider who has the nerve and confidence to ride a hand gallop, or -a flying gallop, will be ready to learn to leap. Indeed, instruction in -this accomplishment should always be given, as it is of great assistance -in many emergencies. The most gentle horse may become frightened, shy -suddenly to one side, or plunge violently for some reason or other, and -these abrupt movements strongly resemble those of leaping; if, -therefore, the rider understands the leap, she will know better how to -maintain her equilibrium. Or she may meet some obstruction on the road, -as the trunk of a tree felled by a storm; when, instead of being -compelled to return home without finishing her ride, she can leap over -the obstacle. Again, should she at any time be in great haste to reach -her destination she may, by leaping some low gap in a fence, or some -small stream, be able to take one or more short cuts, and thus greatly -lessen the distance she would have had to ride on the road. - -Leaping is by no means difficult to learn. With an English saddle, the -third pommel will prevent the rider from being shaken off by the -violence of the motion, and will thus make leaping entirely safe for a -lady provided the horse be well-trained and sure-footed. Before -venturing upon a leap, three requisites are necessary: first, the horse -must be a good and fearless leaper; second, the rider must have -confidence in herself and steed, because any nervousness on her part -will be apt to cause the animal to leap awkwardly; and third, she must -always be sure of the condition of the ground on the opposite side of -the object over which the leap is to be made--it must neither slope -abruptly down, nor present any thorny bushes, nor be so soft and soggy -that the horse will be apt to sink into it. No risk must be taken in -the leap, except in cases of emergency, when, of course, the rider may -have neither time nor opportunity to select her ground, and be obliged -to leap her steed over the nearest available point. The author once -avoided what might have proved a serious accident to both herself and -horse, by promptly leaping him over a hedge of thorn bushes, upon the -other side of which was a river: this was done in order to avoid -colliding in a narrow road with a frightened, runaway team, which was -quite beyond the control of its driver. - -[Illustration: Fig. 33.--The Standing Leap--Rising.] - -The =standing leap= will prove more difficult to learn than the flying -leap, but, nevertheless, it should be the first one practiced, and when -once acquired, the other will be mere play. A bar twelve feet long, -raised two feet from the ground, will be sufficient for practice in this -exercise; if a lady can manage a leap of this height with expertness and -grace, she will be fully able to bound over a still higher obstacle, -should she desire to do so, and her horse be equal to the occasion. -Before attempting the leap, she must be sure that she is perfectly -secure upon the saddle, with her left knee directly under the third -pommel so as to press it firmly against the latter as the horse rises to -the leap; her left leg, from the knee to the stirrup, must hang -perpendicularly[8] along the side of the horse, the inner surface or -side of the knee lightly pressing against the saddle-flap; her foot must -be well placed in the stirrup; her seat directly in the centre of the -saddle; her body erect and square to the front; her shoulders well back; -and the small of her back curved in. The right leg must firmly grasp the -second pommel as the horse rises, and the right heel be held somewhat -back, and close to the fore-flap of the saddle. The hands must be held -low, and about six inches apart, with a snaffle-rein in each, and the -curb-reins must be so placed that the rider will not unconsciously draw -upon them, but must not hang so loosely as to become caught accidentally -upon any projecting article with which they may come in contact. If all -these points be carefully attended to, just previous to walking the -horse up to the bar, the rider will be in correct position and ready for -the leap, which she will accomplish very quickly, with perfect security, -and with a much firmer seat than that obtained by the most finished -horseman. - - Footnote 8: If the leap be a very high one, the left foot may be - thrust a little more forward to enable the rider to lean back as far - as is necessary. - -The principal movement for which the rider should be prepared in leaping -is that of being thrown forward on the saddle, both when the horse makes -the spring and when his fore-feet touch the ground. In order to avoid -this accident, the rider, keeping a firm seat and grasp upon the -pommels, must incline her shoulders somewhat backward, both when the -horse springs from the ground and also during the descent, the amount of -inclination varying with the height of the leap. The erect position -should be resumed when the hind-legs have again touched the ground. In a -very high leap, the rider's body should be bent so far back during the -descent as to look almost as if in contact with the back of the horse. - -When the points named above have been attended to, the horse must be -collected, with his hind-legs well under him, and then be briskly walked -up to the bar or obstacle to be leaped and placed directly before it, -but not so close that he cannot clear it without striking his knees -against it as he rises,--sufficient room must always be allowed him for -his spring. Now, after receiving a light touch or pull upon the reins to -tell him that his rider is ready, he will raise himself upon his -hind-legs for the leap. As he rises, the rider's body, if properly -seated, as heretofore explained, will naturally assume a sufficient -inclination forward without any effort on her part. While in this -position she must not carry her shoulders forward, but must keep them -well back, with the waist well curved in as when sitting erect. It -should never be forgotten that in the rise during the leap, just -previous to the spring, no efforts whatever must be made by the rider to -support the horse, or to lift him, but instead, she should simply hold -the reins so lightly that his mouth can just be felt, which is called -"giving a free rein." If the reins be allowed to hang too loosely they -may catch upon some object not noticed by the rider, and not only be -wrenched from her hands, but also give the horse's mouth a severe jerk, -or perhaps throw him upon the ground. Too loose a rein would, moreover, -be apt to make it impossible for her to give timely support to the -animal as his fore-feet touched the ground. The leap, it must be borne -in mind, is effected very quickly. (Fig. 33.) - -As the horse springs from his hind-legs to make the leap, the rider must -advance her arms, with her hands held as low as possible so as to give -him a sufficiently free rein to enable him to extend himself; this -position of the arms will also prevent the reins from being forcibly -wrested from her hands by the horse's movements. At the moment of the -spring and the advance of the arms, the rider's body must be inclined -backward, the erect position of the waist and shoulders being, however, -maintained. As the animal's fore-feet touch the ground, the hands must -be gently drawn in toward the waist in order to support him, as such -support will be expected by the horse, and must be continued even after -his hind-legs rest upon the ground, so that the animal will not become -disunited, but will move onward in a collected manner. (Fig. 34.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 34.--The Standing Leap--Descending.] - -Many riding-teachers instruct their pupils to incline the body well -forward as the horse rises, while others require their pupils to lean -well back. The advocates of the former method say that this forward -inclination conforms to the position of the horse at the time, and so -places the weight of the body as to assist the horse in his spring. They -who adopt the other method maintain that if the body be inclined forward -in the rise, it will be almost, if not quite, impossible for the rider, -from the rapidity with which the horse extends himself, to make the -backward inclination in time to enable her to regain her balance -quickly. A happy medium will prove the best. If the rider be seated -correctly at the time the horse rises, her body _will naturally incline -a little forward_, and there will be but little weight upon the horse's -hind-quarters, while, as he springs and extends himself in his leap, she -can promptly adapt herself to his movements and incline her body -backward. - -By leaning back as the horse rises on his hind-legs, the weight of his -rider will be thrown upon his hind-quarters, and she will present an -awkward appearance; while at the same time she will be very apt to -shorten the reins, and thus confine the horse so much that his leap will -become clumsy and dangerous. - -On commencing the leap the rider, as heretofore stated, must never -attempt to raise the horse by the reins; a light, gentle touch or pull -given to them with the fingers, as when starting upon a hand gallop, is -all that will be necessary. The horse must be left free to take the leap -in his own way, using his own instinct or judgment in order that he may -clear his fore feet from the bar or object over which he has to pass. -During the rise, the rider must carefully guard against raising her -hands, and also against jerking or holding back the reins, as either of -these movements will discourage the horse, and, should he be tender -mouthed, he will refuse to leap at all, his own instinct warning him -that it is dangerous to attempt it under such conditions. - -A rather hard mouthed, courageous animal, that has had experience with -awkward riders, will, as he extends himself in the leap, force his -rider's hands by a sudden jerk of his head, so as either to pull the -reins out of her hands, or, should she manage to retain her hold upon -them, to pull her forward upon the saddle. - -Many ladies, in their fear of becoming displaced during the leap, will -unconsciously press their left leg and foot strongly against the side of -the horse, thus causing him to swerve or to refuse to leap. Gentlemen -teachers are apt to be unaware of this pressure, as the leg is hidden -underneath the riding skirt, and not unfrequently they have been puzzled -to comprehend why a well-trained, docile horse should leap very well -with some of their lady pupils, and awkwardly, or not at all, with -others. - -A common error, in attempting to leap, is to sit too far back upon the -saddle, a position that not only prevents the rider from supporting -herself properly by the pommels, but is also likely to occasion her a -severe jar as the horse's feet touch the ground. When in the correct -position, the body is placed as far forward upon the saddle as the -pommels will permit, the waist and shoulders only being inclined -backward, as already described. - -Pressing heavily upon the stirrup is another fault. This not only -destroys the usefulness of the third pommel, but, as has already been -remarked, such pressure will tend to lift the body from the saddle. The -foot should merely be kept light and steady in the stirrup. - -It will be better for a beginner to leap with a snaffle-rein in each -hand. After having thoroughly learned how to make the leap properly, she -may then prefer to hold all the reins in the left hand. In this case, -she must be very careful not to throw up the unoccupied right hand and -arm as the horse passes over the obstacle; for, besides being a very -ungraceful movement, it may lead the horse to suppose that he is about -to be struck with the whip, and so cause him to make the leap -precipitately, and upon reaching the ground to gallop wildly off. - -The rider must hold her head firm, not only for the sake of appearances, -but also to escape biting her tongue and receiving a violent jerk of the -neck, when the horse's feet touch the ground. - -If a horse, just before leaping, be too much confined or collected by an -unnecessary degree of tension upon the reins, especially if he be not -thoroughly trained, he will rise from all four legs almost -simultaneously, and also alight upon them all together. In -horse-jockey's _parlance_ this is termed a "buck-leap." It is an awkward -manner of leaping, and gives a severe shock to the animal beside -fearfully jolting his rider. Again, a horse not well trained in the -leap, or somewhat indolent, may, if not animated and properly collected -just before rising, fail to leap over the obstacle, or in passing over -it may strike it with his hind-feet, for he will attempt the leap in a -loose, straggling manner. An animal that is well trained, and accustomed -to leaping, will take care of himself, and will require very little -assistance from his rider; a light hand upon the reins just before he -rises, a free rein as he extends himself, and support when he touches -the ground being all that is necessary. - -Should the lady be expert in riding, and desire to teach her steed to -leap, she can readily do so by pursuing the following course: Let a bar -about twelve feet in length, and two feet from the ground, be so -arranged that the horse cannot pass around it. If possible, he should be -allowed to see a well-trained horse leap over this bar a number of -times; then taking advantage of a time when her horse is hungry, his -mistress should give him a few oats and, passing over the bar, she -should rattle the oats and call to him, when he will bound over to -obtain them. This course should be followed at each meal, and she should -reward him by feeding, caressing, and praising him every time he leaps -the bar,--the object being to accustom him to leap it without being -whipped or treated harshly. By thus being allowed to take the leap of -his own accord and without assistance, he will gain confidence, and will -not be apt to refuse when his rider is placed upon his back. In the -course of this training, the appearance of the bar should be changed in -various ways, as, for example, by placing different bright colored -articles upon it, such as pieces of carpet, rugs, shawls, etc. If he be -accustomed to leap only over an object that invariably presents the same -appearance, he may refuse to leap one of a different aspect. - -Having thus trained the horse until he has become quite familiar with -the movements of the leap, and does not refuse to pass over the bar, -whatever appearance it may present, he will then be ready for his rider. -For the first few trials the lady should take care to have the bar -consist of some material that can readily be broken, in order to -prevent any accident should the horse, in passing over with her weight -upon his back, strike it with either his fore or hind feet. Once -mounted, she should teach him to clear the bar in a deliberate manner, -not allowing him to rush at it and jump from all four feet at once. She -will have to collect him, cause him to place his hind-legs under him so -that, as he rises, his weight will be thrown upon his haunches, and, as -he leaps over, she must be exceedingly careful not to restrain him in -the least, as any thoughtless act or awkwardness on her part may give -him a great distaste for an exercise which, otherwise, he would have no -reluctance in performing. - -With regard to teaching a young horse to leap, the author is much -gratified to know that her views are sustained by several eminent -equestrians, and among them Mr. E. Mayhew of England, who states that a -horse should never be allowed to leap until he has attained at least his -fifth year, and who in his excellent work, entitled "The Illustrated -Horse Management," etc., remarks: "To place a rider upon an animal's -back and then to expect a bar to be cleared is very like loading a young -lady with a sack of flour, as preparatory to a dancing lesson being -received. This folly is, however, universally practiced; so is that of -teaching the paces, when the quadruped's attention is probably engrossed -by the burden which the spine has to sustain. - -"Leaping is best taught by turning the horse into a small paddock having -a low hedge or hurdle-fence across its centre. A rider should, in sight -of the animal, take an old horse over several times. The groom who -brings the corn at the meal hour then goes to that side where the animal -is not and calls, shaking up the provender all the time his voice -sounds. The boundary will soon be cleared. When half the quantity is -eaten, the man should proceed to the opposite compartment and call -again. If this is done every time the young horse is fed, the fence may -be gradually heightened; after six months of such tuition, a light rider -may be safely placed upon the back. - -"Instruction, thus imparted, neither strains the structures nor tries -the temper. The habit is acquired without those risks which necessarily -attend a novel performance, while a burden oppresses the strength, and -whip or spur distracts the attention. The body is not disabled by the -imposition of a heavy load before its powers are taxed to the uttermost. -The quadruped has all its capabilities unfettered, and, in such a -state, leaping speedily becomes as easy of performance as any other -motion." - -Horses leap in different ways; the best leapers being those which just -glide over the object without touching it,--they appear to measure the -height required for the leap, and, whether the object be high or low, -they skim close to it. Such animals can be trusted, and may be allowed -to leap without urging or hurrying them, for they require very little -assistance from their riders, and do better when left to themselves. -Other horses exaggerate the leap and rise higher than is required; they -make a very fine appearance when leaping, but are apt to light too close -to the opposite side of the bar or obstacle, because they expend all -their energies on height instead of width. The worst leapers are those -which, instead of clearing the bar at a single bound, make two bounds, -as it were, in passing over it: the fore-part of the horse having passed -over, the body will seem to be resting for an appreciable time upon the -fore-legs. - -The =flying leap= can be taken, without stopping, from any gait that is -more rapid than a walk, though commonly taken from the gallop. It is a -very easy leap, being little more than an extended gallop. The rider -takes the same firm, central position upon the saddle as has been -described for the standing leap. In the flying leap the body must be -inclined well back from the start, care being taken not to make any -forward inclination whatever. When the horse has fairly landed, after -the leap, the body must again become erect. The degree of the backward -inclination must be in accordance with the height and width of the leap. -During the whole period of the leap the hands must be kept low and the -reins be freely given to the animal, which must be supported as he lands -on the opposite side. As the horse runs toward the object to be leaped -over, the rider must, when about twelve or fifteen yards from it, -gradually relax the reins, by advancing her bridle hand or hands; and, -if her horse be a willing and good leaper, he may be allowed to select -his own pace, and use his own judgment as to the proper distance from -which to make the spring. - -If the horse be unused to leaping, or be unwilling, the rider must be -upon her guard lest he attempt to defend himself and avoid the leap, -either by suddenly swerving to one side or by stopping before the object -to be leaped and then backing, or rearing. These actions are generally -the result of the horse's want of confidence in his own powers, and -severity will only make matters worse. In a dilemma of this kind, the -rider will have to convert the flying into the standing leap, as -follows:-- - -She must turn her horse and walk him a short distance away from the -object, then, turning him again toward it, she must encourage him to -advance slowly that he may take a good look at it; at the same time she -must have a light and ready hand on the reins, just firm enough to keep -his head steady and maintain control over his neck, so as to prevent him -from swerving to the right or to the left. She should then kindly and -firmly encourage him to make the bound; and by patience and perseverance -in this course he will generally be induced to do so. After he has -obeyed, she must not make him repeat the movement several times in -succession, as if she were triumphing over him, because he might regard -such a process as a sort of challenge, and renew the contest; instead of -such measures, he should be allowed to pass on quietly, no further -attention being given to the matter. By this change from the flying to -the standing leap the horse can be better prevented from shying, and on -the next occasion will be apt to make the flying leap over the object -without swerving. - -The whip or spur should never be employed to make an obstinate or timid -horse leap, as he will ever after associate such objects as those over -which he has been thus urged or forced to leap with fear of punishment, -and his rider will never be sure of him when approaching one of them, -for he will either shy, or else bound over it in such a flurried manner -as will prove dangerous both to himself and his rider. An indolent -horse, that requires to be roused by whip or spur, is not a suitable one -for a lady to ride at a leap. Some horses will refuse to leap when -traveling alone, but will do so spiritedly and excellently when in -company with others of their kind. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DEFENSES OF THE HORSE.--CRITICAL SITUATIONS. - - "High pampered steeds, ere tamed, the lash disdain, - And proudly foam, impatient of the rein." - - VIRGIL, _Sotheby's Translation_. - - "The startling steed was seized with sudden fright." - - DRYDEN. - - -A lady's horse is generally selected for his gentleness, soundness, good -training, and freedom from vice, and the rider's management of him is -usually so kind and considerate that he is seldom roused to rebellion; -hence, she is rarely called upon to enter into a contention with him. -The docility of a lady's steed is almost proverbial, and when purchasing -a horse the highest recommendation as to his gentleness and safeness is -the assurance that he has "been used to carry a woman." Horse-dealers -are well acquainted with this fact, and attach a high value to it, as a -sure criterion of the animal's kindly nature. No lady rider, however -expert she may be, will, if she be wise and have a regard for her own -safety, ride or endeavor to conquer a really vicious horse; yet there -may be times when even the hitherto most docile animal will suddenly -display that which in Yorkshire dialect is called "mistech;" that is, -there may be unexpectedly developed a restive trait, for which there -seems to be no reason. Even a really good-natured horse may, owing to -high feed and little work, shy, plunge, and kick, in his exuberance of -spirits, and should his rider not know how to control these sudden and -unexpected manifestations, he may gain the ascendency, and she be thrown -from the saddle. That which, on the part of the horse, is intended for -good-humored play, may thus, from want of control, degenerate into -positive viciousness. A skillful rider will manage and endure the -prancings, pawings, and impatience of her steed,--which are frequently -only his method of expressing satisfaction and happiness in carrying his -kind mistress,--and will continue riding and controlling him until he -becomes calm and quiet, and ceases to display his impulsive -sensitiveness. Again, a lady may have occasion to ride a strange horse, -of whose disposition she knows very little. It is, therefore, very -important that every horsewoman should be prepared to meet and to -overcome any eccentric demonstrations on the part of the animal she may -be riding. - -Some horses are constitutionally nervous and timid, always fearful and -upon the lookout, constantly scrutinizing every object around them, and -keeping their riders incessantly on the watch. These horses, though -disagreeable to ride, are seldom dangerous, as they will readily obey -the reins and yield to the hand that has many times proved its -reliability and correctness. - -SHYING.--The position in which a horse places his ears is a sure -indication of his immediate intentions. When he raises his head and -points his ears strongly forward, it is because he sees some object at -the side of the road, or approaching, which renders him uneasy or even -fearful. In such a case, his rider must be prepared for a sudden leap to -one side, a whirl around, or a quick darting from the road. She must not -allow herself to become nervous and jerk or suddenly tighten the reins, -for then the animal will think that she is likewise afraid, and that he -is justified in his own fright. On the contrary, she must maintain her -presence of mind, quietly and calmly take a snaffle-rein in each hand, -draw them just tight enough to feel the horse's mouth, keep his head -high and straight forward, and, as he approaches the object that has -alarmed him, gently turn his head away from it, so that in passing he -can see as little of it as possible; at the same time she should press -her leg or whip against the horse on the side toward which he is likely -to shy,--also speaking to him in a firm and assuring tone of voice, that -he may be led to understand there is nothing to fear. - -In following these directions the rider must be mindful of her balance, -because, notwithstanding all her efforts, the horse may leap out of the -road; she should sit erect, keep a firm hold on both pommels with the -legs, check him as soon as possible, and then bring him again upon the -road. Should he swerve and attempt to rush past the object, his rider -must not try to pull his head toward it, but, holding the reins with -steady hands, must keep him headed straight forward, and, after he has -passed, gradually rein him in. - -Should he make a half turn from the object, he must be turned completely -around, so as to face it, and then be urged forward by the aid of the -left leg and whip, while he is at the same time spoken to in a quiet, -encouraging tone. If the horse have confidence in his rider, and his -fright be not a pretense, he will thus be induced to go by, and on -future occasions will pass by the same object with indifference. -Severity, such as scolding and whipping, will only render him more -fearful, and since he will always regard the object of his fright as -being the cause of his punishment, he will, consequently, the next time -of meeting with it become still more unmanageable. But, having passed it -at first without experiencing any pain, he will gain confidence in the -judgment of his rider, imagine he has made a mistake in being alarmed, -and be satisfied that, after all, there was no occasion for dread. - -A horse should never be caressed, patted, or coaxed, either just before -or just after he has passed any object he dislikes, because he may -misinterpret these acts, and imagine that he has done just right in -shying, and will, therefore, be very apt to repeat the act in order -again to receive the praise of his rider. It will always be better, in -such cases, to ride on as usual, and act as if the matter were of no -consequence. On the other hand, a horse should never be whipped after he -has passed an object that terrifies him. Some riders are afraid to whip -the horse while he is in the act of shying, but will lay on the lash -after he has passed the cause of his dread; this will not only be "a -tardy vengeance that crowns a cowardly act," but will cause the animal -to conclude that he has done wrong in passing by, and on the next -occasion for alarm he will either delay as long as possible in dread of -the remembered whipping, or else will plunge quickly by the object, and, -perhaps, add to the vice of shying that of running away. The course -pursued by some persons of making a horse pass and repass a number of -times in succession an object which has caused him to shy is an -erroneous one, as it gives him a chance for again resisting, and makes -the rider appear vainglorious and pretentious. - -Whether a horse shies from real fright, or from mere pretense or -affectation, the severe use of whip or spur to force him by the object -he is shying at will always do more harm than good. Mildness and -forbearance, combined with firmness, will invariably do much more to -tranquillize him and to render him obedient than severity and harsh -measures. Horsemen who, from actual experience, are well able to advise -say, "Let the horse alone, neither letting him perceive that we are -aware we are advancing toward anything that he dislikes, nor doing more -with him when in the act of shying than is necessary for due restraint -and a steady hand upon the reins." - -When a horse shies from pretense of fright, it is either from -exuberance of spirits, because he has not been sufficiently exercised, -or else because he has detected timidity in his rider, and shies from -pure love of mischief and the desire to amuse himself by augmenting her -fears. Although not intending any real harm, he may manage, to his own -astonishment, to unseat her, and, by thus discovering what he can do, -may become a vicious rogue, and make every strange object an excuse for -a dangerous shy. The only remedy for this affectation and -mischievousness will be a courageous and determined rider on his back, -who will give him more work than he likes; he will then, of his own -accord, soon tire of his tricks. - -When a horse that has had plenty of work and a good rider to manage him -nevertheless continues to shy, it will generally be found that his -vision is defective. If he is a young horse, with very prominent eyes, -the probability is that he is near-sighted; if an old horse, that his -vision--having undergone a change similar to that of a human being who -is advanced in years--is imperfect for near objects, which appear -confused and blurred; in other words, that he is troubled with -long-sightedness, or presbyopia. In these cases the horse becomes -fearful and suspicious, and his quick imagination transforms that which -he cannot distinctly see into something terrifying. Ocular science has -not advanced so far as to have determined a remedy for these visual -difficulties except by the use of glasses; and to place spectacles upon -a horse to improve his sight would be inconvenient as well as decidedly -unique. Animals thus afflicted are unsuited for either saddle or -harness, as they are more dangerous than if they are totally blind, and -the only safe course to pursue when one is compelled to use them will be -the very undesirable one of completely blindfolding them. Many a horse -has been severely punished and condemned for viciousness, when his fault -arose from defective vision. - -Sometimes a horse becomes discontented and uneasy from being always -ridden over the same road; this dull routine is irksome to him, -especially if he be spirited, and he ventures upon some act of -disobedience in order to create variety and excitement. He may commence -by sideling toward other horses or objects on his left, or by suddenly -turning around to the right. In the first case, the rider must instantly -take a snaffle-rein in each hand, and instead of attempting to turn him -from the object, she must rein his head directly toward it, and then -back him from it. By these means, his body will form a concavity on the -side toward the object, thus preventing injury to the rider or horse, -and she will be able to retreat in safety. - -In the second instance, the horse instinctively knows that he is -opposing his strongest side to the weakest one of his rider, and it is -useless to contend with him by pulling upon the left snaffle-rein, as he -will be watching for this very movement and be prepared to resist it. He -should be foiled by having the right rein tightened so as to turn him -completely around and place him in the same position he was in before he -began to turn. He will perceive to his astonishment that he has gained -nothing by his abrupt movement; and as soon as he has reached the -position stated, he should be urged forward by the aid of both leg and -whip. - -This method is usually successful unless the steed be very obstinate; he -may then refuse to advance at all, and may make another turn to the -right, in which case his rider should repeat the course just named, and -oblige him to turn completely around three or four times in succession, -and then while his head is in the right direction, a stroke of the whip -behind the girths should instantly be given in order to compel him to go -forward before he has time to defend himself and make another turn. -Should he again refuse, and succeed in making still another turn, the -tactics of his rider must be changed; taking care not to use her whip, -she must turn him around as before, and then rein him backward in the -direction she desires him to go; she must keep doing this until he -concludes to move onward. Should this course have to be continued for -some time, it will be advisable occasionally to head him in the desired -direction, in order to ascertain whether he will go forward; if he will -not, he must again be turned and backed. A horse can readily be induced -to move backward, when he has determined not to go forward. - -During this contest with the horse, the rider must be careful to retain -her balance, to keep her left knee directly under the third pommel, and -to incline her body quickly to the right as her animal turns. She should -likewise be watchful of surrounding objects, in order to protect herself -and her horse from any dangerous position in which he may be disposed to -place himself. In case she is not a very expert horsewoman, or has -little confidence in her ability to manage the horse, it will be better -to have him led a short distance, and then, if possible, she should -change the road to one he has not been accustomed to travel; this will -divert him, and cause him to forget his contumacy. - -BALKING.--When a horse stops on the road and refuses to move in any -direction, it may be owing to disease (immobility), or to obstinacy. In -either case, it will be better for the rider to make no effort to induce -him to move, but she should quietly and patiently remain in the saddle -until he evinces a disposition to advance, when he should be made to -stand a little longer. If his defense be due to obstinacy, this course -will be a punishment; but should it be due to disease, the detention -will be no disadvantage nor punishment to him, but rather an advantage, -as it will enable him to gain composure. It is rarely, however, that a -horse proves balky, unless as the result of some disease of the brain or -of the heart, rheumatic pain, etc. - -BACKING.--Should a horse commence backing, when on the road, he must -have his head quickly turned toward the direction in which he is -backing. Thus, if he be backing toward a dangerous declivity, he will be -able to see that what he is doing threatens danger to himself, and will -be checked. Then he must be backed some little distance away from the -danger, and in the direction toward which he is desired to go. If, -however, the horse continues to back toward the dangerous place, -notwithstanding the rider's efforts to turn him, the safest course will -be to dismount instantly. Backing is sometimes, if not very frequently, -due to confused vision, rush of blood to the head, pain in the head, -etc. - -GAYETY.--When a horse moves one ear back and forth, or keeps agitating -first one and then the other, at the same time moving his head and neck -up and down, and, perhaps, also champing upon his bit, he is feeling -gay, and his rider must be on her guard, as he may unexpectedly jump. -While keeping a steady hand upon the reins, she must urge him to move -forward at a regular and somewhat rapid gait, for this will be what he -wants in order to work off his superfluous spirits. - -KICKING.--A horse, when defending himself against anything whatever, -will always lay his ears flat upon the back of his head; this is his -attitude and signal for a battle, and he is then ready to kick, bite, -plunge, or rear. When the ears are only momentarily placed back, it may -be from playfulness, but when maintained in this position, he is angry -and vicious, and may make a desperate effort to throw his rider. In the -company of other horses he will attempt to bite or kick at them. As soon -as he is observed to gaze fixedly upon any animals in his vicinity, -while at the same time he puts his ears back, and turns his croup -toward his companions, he is then about to kick, and his rider must -frustrate his intention, as soon as she feels his croup move, by quickly -raising his head and turning it in the direction in which the kick was -to be made. Should he attempt to bite, he must be driven to a proper -distance from the object of his anger, and his attention be diverted by -keeping him moving on. - -A horse will kick when feeling gay, when he is annoyed, when he suffers -pain from any cause, when feeling playful or malevolent toward other -animals, and, sometimes, when he wishes to dislodge his rider. Whenever -her horse manifests an inclination to kick, the rider must endeavor to -keep his head up, because he will then be unable to accomplish much in -the way of raising his hind-legs; but once allowed to get his head down, -he will have everything his own way, and will be able to kick as high as -he pleases. - -Every time the horse attempts to lower his head, he must be punished by -a pull upon the curb-bit strong enough to make him keep his head up. His -mouth must also be sawed upon with the curb, should he succeed in -getting his head down. The rider must remember to lean well back, and -have her left knee well braced against the third pommel, as in this -position it will be almost impossible for him to unseat her by his -kicking. If the kick be made during a stand-still, a sharp, vigorous -stroke of the whip upon the animal's shoulder will be apt to check him; -but if the kick be made while he is on the gallop, a stroke of the whip -will be apt to make him run away. Should kicking be an old vice of the -horse, he must be ridden with a severe curb-bit, that he may be -prevented from getting his head down. - -PLUNGING, BUCKING.--Plunging is a succession of bounds, in which the -four legs of the horse are almost simultaneously raised from the ground, -the animal advancing with each bound. It is frequently an effort made by -the horse to rid himself of something that pains him, as the sting of an -insect, the pinching of the saddle or the girth, etc. All that can be -done in any case of plunging will be to endeavor to keep up the animal's -head, brace one's self firmly in the saddle, and sit the plunges out; -they will rarely amount to more than three or four. When a horse that is -not vicious commences to plunge, it may be due to fear or pain; he -should, therefore, be spoken to kindly, and be soothed. As soon as he is -brought under control, the rider should endeavor to ascertain the cause -of his movements, and, if possible, remove it. - -_Bucking_ is a desperate effort to throw the rider; the horse will -gather his legs under him in as close a group as possible, curve his -back upward like an angry Tabby when she espies Towser, lower his head, -endeavor to burst the saddle-girths by forcibly expanding his abdomen, -and then without making any advance or retreat bound up and down upon -all four legs, which are held as rigid as iron rods. Sometimes he will -produce a see-saw movement by repeatedly and rapidly throwing himself -from his hind to his fore legs. These motions will be kept up as long as -he can hold his breath, which generally becomes exhausted after five or -six bounds; he will then renew his breath and may repeat the bounds. - -When a horse "bucks," the rider must keep her seat the best way she can. -Her body should be held as straight as possible, although the natural -tendency will be to lean forward and to round the shoulders; she should -also take a firm knee-grasp upon both the second and third pommels, keep -a steady hold upon the reins, and be especially on her guard against -allowing her body to be pulled forward as the horse jerks his head down. -Fortunately, very few thorough-bred horses buck violently, their -movement being more of a plunge. The horses of the Russian steppes, and -the bronchos and ponies of our far Western country, are apt to have the -vicious, genuine buck in perfection. - -REARING.--With the young horse, rearing is the last frantic effort to -unseat his rider; an old rogue will sometimes resort to it, having found -his rider timid and much alarmed at the movement. A lady should never -ride a horse that has once reared dangerously, unless the action was -occasioned by the injudicious use of too severe a curb-bit. A horse that -has once reared without provocation will be very apt to do so again. The -danger of this vice is, that the horse may fall backward and upon his -rider. This accident will be especially liable to occur when, in rearing -suddenly and very high, he bends his fore-legs under his body. While he -is in this position, should the rider feel him sinking down upon his -hind-quarters, she must instantly leap from the saddle, at the same time -giving, if possible, a vigorous push to the horse with both hands, as -near his shoulder as she can readily reach without endangering herself. -This is done that he may be made to fall to the right, and the impetus -of the push will also convey her to a safe distance, should he fall to -the left. - -When a horse, after rearing, paws in the air with his fore-feet, he is -then employing them for the same purpose that a tight-rope dancer uses -his balancing pole, namely, to keep his equilibrium. In this case, there -will not be much danger of his falling backward, unless his rider should -pull him over by holding too tight a rein, or by using the reins to aid -her in keeping her balance. - -The first act of the horse, when he intends to rear, will be to free -himself from the influence of the bit, and he will attempt to accomplish -this by bending his neck in so as to slacken the tension on the reins; -at the same time he will come to a stand by a peculiar cringing -movement, which will make his rider feel as if the animal had collapsed, -or were falling to pieces. This "nowhere" feeling will hardly be -realized before the horse will stiffen his hind-legs and neck, and rise -with his fore-feet in the air, bidding defiance to all control. - -Under these circumstances, as the horse rears his rider must quickly -yield the reins and incline her body well forward, firmly supporting -herself by the second and third pommels; as she values her life, she -must not strike her steed nor pull upon the reins, but must patiently -wait until his fore-feet come to the ground, when the time for action -will have arrived. - -Although she may be taken by surprise when the horse first rears, she -can anticipate his second attempt, which will generally be not far off, -by taking a snaffle-rein in each hand, holding her hands low, and the -instant she perceives that he is going to rise, loosening the left rein -and tightening the right, so as to bend his head to the right. He cannot -now complete the rear, because her action will compel him to move a -hind-leg, and he will then be unable to rest his weight upon both -hind-legs, which he must do in order to rear. As a punishment, he should -then be turned around a few times, from right to left; this turning will -also be very apt to prevent him from again rearing. Sometimes a severe -stroke with the whip upon the horse's hind-quarters as his fore-feet are -descending to the ground will prevent the second rear; as he plunges -forward from the whip, the rider must be careful to prevent her body -from being thrown forward by the plunge. - -RUNNING AWAY.--The most dangerous runaway horse is the one that starts -off from excessive fear, as terror will make a horse act as if he were -blind, and he may then rush over a precipice, or violently collide with -some object in his way. Terrified horses have been known almost to dash -out their brains by violent collision with a stone wall, and even to -impale themselves upon an iron fence. The least dangerous runaway steed -is the practiced one, which runs because he has vicious propensities; -for as he knows what he is about, he generally takes good care of -himself, and thus, in a measure, protects his rider, of whose mishaps, -however, he is entirely regardless. Some horses, when urged to do -something that is beyond their ability, or when goaded by pain from any -cause, will run, imagining that by so doing they can escape the evil. -With these, the "bolt" or runaway is more the last furious effort of -despair than real viciousness. A heavy-handed rider may cause a horse to -run away, the horse, taking advantage of the constant pull upon the -reins, is liable to make the hand of his rider a point of support, and -then dash wildly onward. - -When, from restlessness, a horse endeavors to break away, the curb-reins -should be taken, one in each hand, and every time he attempts to run, a -sharp pull should be made upon his mouth by means of these reins; he -will thus be checked and prevented from starting upon a run. Should he -once get fairly started, it will be very difficult to stop him promptly. -In such a case, care should be taken not to make a "dead pull" upon the -reins, but instead, a succession of pulls at short intervals, and these -efforts should be continued until he comes to a stand; should the horse -manifest any disposition to stop, the rider should, as he slackens his -speed, make a continued pull on the reins as if reining him in from the -walk, and this will gradually check him. - -When a horse runs away from fear or pain, nothing will stop him except -the voice of the rider in whom he has confidence, and for whom he -entertains affection. In his terror, he will rely entirely upon her for -aid and support, and if she fail him, the most severe bit will not stop -him. An old offender may sometimes be controlled by a severe bit, or may -be cured of his propensity for running by being placed in the hands of a -good horseman who will allow him to run away, and when the animal wishes -to stop, will then, by means of whip and spur, make him run still -farther, and allow him to stop only when the rider pleases. - -The management of a horse when he attempts to "bolt" has been described -in the chapter on the Hand Gallop. A horse that has once fairly run away -and met with some catastrophe, or that has thrown his rider, will never -be a safe one to ride subsequently. - -UNSTEADINESS WHILE BEING MOUNTED.--It is very annoying, as well as -dangerous, to have a horse moving about unsteadily while the rider is -attempting to mount; this restlessness is sometimes occasioned by his -impatience and eagerness to start, and may then be remedied by having -him held by the bit, with his right side placed against a wall, fence, -or other firm barrier, where he can be kept until the lady has mounted. -The horse must not be allowed to start immediately after the rider has -become seated, but must be restrained until he is perfectly quiet, and -must be chidden every time he commences to prance. A few lessons of this -kind will teach him to stand still while being mounted. - -When the horse from viciousness, or from dislike to carrying a rider, -attempts to evade being mounted, he had better be disposed of; for -should the lady succeed in mounting she will receive but little benefit -from the ride, as the bad temper and unwillingness of her steed will not -only make it unpleasant, but even dangerous for her. - -Sometimes the restiveness of the horse may be the fault of the person -holding him, who, perhaps, either takes too heavy a hold of the -snaffle-rein, thus pressing the sides of the snaffle-bit against the -animal's mouth, and pinching him, or pulls upon the curb-reins, which -should not be touched. Either of these mistakes will cause the horse to -move backward. Not unfrequently a horse will violently plunge and kick -from the pain of some injury in his side or back, which, though not -painful when the rider is seated, becomes so when she bears upon the -stirrup. Such a horse is unsound and not suitable for a side-saddle. - -STUMBLING.--When a horse, not naturally indolent, and having his ears -well placed, allows the latter to project out and to fall loosely on -each side of his head, he is then fatigued, and must be kept well -supported by the bridle, for he may stumble, or even fall. Whenever a -horse is felt to trip or stumble, the rider's body must instantly be -inclined backward, her hands be lifted, and her horse be steadied and -supported by sufficient tension on the reins. Should the tired horse be -walking down a hill, he must always be well balanced by pressure of both -leg and whip; this will keep him light upon his fore-legs, and he will -not be so apt to fall. - -A horse should never be whipped for stumbling, as it is not likely that -he would do so of his own accord, and it would be cruel to punish the -poor animal for what he could not help. It may be the fault of the -blacksmith in not shoeing him properly. - -Should an indolent horse fail to raise his feet sufficiently to escape -tripping, the proper course to pursue will be to keep him collected and -make him move at rather a rapid gait, because, when he is animated, he -will lift his feet more briskly and to better advantage. - -A straight-shouldered horse, when carrying a woman, will be apt to -stumble, to bear upon the reins, and to move heavily on his fore-feet, -and will therefore require an expert horsewoman to keep him moving in -good form. - -When the rider hears a metallic clinking sound at each step of her -horse, it will be an indication that the shoes of his hind-feet are -striking against those of his fore-feet; this is very dangerous, as in -the trot, or gallop, he may "overreach" and strike one of his fore-legs -with one of his hind-shoes in such a manner as to injure himself -severely, or he may catch the toe of a hind-shoe in the heel of a -fore-shoe so that they will become locked together, when the fore-shoe -will have to give way and come off, or a terrific fall will ensue. Some -horses overreach on account of their natural conformation, others only -when fatigued; again, some will be free from this defect when fat, but -will manifest it when they become lean from overwork, deficiency of -food, or other cause. Young horses will occasionally move in this manner -before they are taught their paces, but as soon as they are thoroughly -trained this dangerous annoyance ceases. - -When a horse falls to the ground, or merely falls on his knees, if the -rider be not thrown off by the violence of the shock it will be better -for her to keep to the saddle, as the horse will rise very quickly, and -if she attempts to jump off he may step upon her as he is in the act of -rising, or her habit may catch upon the pommel and add to the peril of -the situation by causing her to be dragged along should the horse move -on, or become frightened and run away. She must not attempt to assist -the horse by pulling upon the bridle, but must allow him to get upon his -feet in his own way. Should she be thrown off as he falls, she must free -her skirt from the saddle as promptly as possible and quickly get away -from him in order to escape being stepped upon as he rises. The fall of -a horse upon his right side is much less dangerous than upon his left, -because in the latter case the rider's left leg may be caught beneath -him, perhaps injured, and she would then be unable to extricate herself -without assistance. - -WHIP AND SPUR.--A lady's whip is employed as a substitute for the right -leg of the horseman in collecting and guiding the horse. For this -reason, it must always be firm, strong, and well-made. It is also used -both to give light taps to the horse in order to increase his speed, and -likewise, when necessary, to chastise him moderately and thus make him -more obedient. If it can possibly be avoided, a lady should never whip -her horse; but when it is required, one quick, sharp stroke, given at -the right time, and with judgment, will subdue him and bring him to his -senses. Deliberately to give stroke after stroke, or to flog him, will -always do more harm than good, for it will make him wild, vicious, and -unmanageable, and the lady will gain nothing by it except the reputation -of being a _virago_. - -When a horse has committed a fault requiring the whip, he knows that the -first stroke given is for this fault, and submits; but he does not -understand why the succeeding blows are given, and resents them -accordingly. An expert rider will rarely whip her horse, and will never -become angry at even the most obstinate resistance on his part, but -will, instead, manage him intelligently, and subdue him in a subtle way -that he cannot comprehend. She will turn his disobedient acts against -himself in a manner that is mysterious to him, and which will make them -appear to him to be the will of his rider. The horse will find himself -foiled at every turn, in a way against which he can present no -permanent defense, and there will be nothing left for him but -submission. - -When a horse fails in his attempts to gain the ascendency, and yields to -her skill and authority, she should be generous and forgiving, and treat -the vanquished one with kindness and consideration, letting him know -that there is no resentment harbored against him. He will quickly -appreciate this forbearance, and it will have a lasting effect. But -while accepting the olive branch, she should not give him his usual pats -and caresses for some little while afterward, as these acts might be -misinterpreted by him as a weakening on the part of his rider, or lead -him to imagine that he has been doing right instead of wrong. - -A lady's horse should never be trained with the spur. The horse that -requires a spur is unsuited for the side-saddle; even the dullest animal -will soon learn that he is spurred only on one side, and will shrink -from the attack by a shy or a jump to the right, knowing there is no -spur on this side. An indifferent rider may place herself in danger by -unconsciously spurring her horse, thus goading him to madness, and to -such a frenzy of despair that the only alternative left for him will be -to unseat his fair rider in order to escape the pain thus unconsciously -inflicted upon him. - -The novice in riding must not be dismayed nor discouraged by all the -instructions in regard to defending one's self against restive and -vicious horses, as she may ride for years, or even for a life-time, and -never be in any serious danger. But a time might possibly come, when she -would suddenly and unexpectedly be called upon to exert herself in order -to exact obedience from her steed, or to extricate herself from a -perilous situation, and then a knowledge of what should be done will be -of great use to her. Being armed at all points, and understanding the -means required for any emergency, she will not depend for safety -altogether upon the caprice or the gentleness of her horse, but chiefly -upon her own knowledge and skill; this will give her a confidence and -sense of security that will greatly add to the pleasure of her ride. - - - - -[Illustration] - -EXPLANATION. - - - 1. The lips. - - 2. Tip of the nose. Figs. 1 and 2 form the muzzle. - - 3. Chanfrin, or face; the parts that correspond to the bones of the - nose, and that extend from the brow to the nostrils. - - 4. The brow, or forehead. - - 5. The eye-pits; cavities more or less deeply situated above the - eyes. - - 6. Forelock; hairs between the ears that fall upon the forehead. - - 7. The ears. - - 8. The lower jaw and channel, or space comprised between the two - lower jaws. Cheek. Jowl. - - 9. The jaws: nether jaws. - - 10. The nostril. - - 11. The throat. - - 12. Region of parotid glands, at the posterior and internal part of - each of the lower-jaw bones. - - 13. The crest. - - 13'. The mane. - - 14. Windpipe and groove of the jugular veins. - - 15. The chest, thorax. - - 16. The withers, or the sharp, projecting part at the inferior - extremity of the crest and of the mane. It is formed by the - projection of the first dorsal vertebra. - - 17. The back, or part upon which the saddle is placed. - - 18. The ribs. - - 19. The passage for the girths. - - 20. The loins. - - 21. The croup; the most elevated part of the posterior extremity of - the body. - - 22. The tail. - - 24. The flank. - - 25. The abdomen. - - 27. The saphena vein. - - 28. The shoulder and arm. - - 28'. The point of the shoulder. - - 29. The elbow. - - 30. The fore-arm. - - 32. The knee. - - 33. The cannon bone, shank. - - 34. The large pastern joint. - - 35. The small pastern joint. - - 36. The coronet. - - 37. The front foot and hoof. - - 38. The fetlock and ergot. The fetlock consists of hairs, and the - ergot of a horny-like substance constantly found at the back and - lower part of the large pastern joints. - - 39. The haunch. - - 40. The thigh, gaskin, or femur. - - 41. The stifle joint. - - 42. The buttock. - - 43. The tibia, or leg proper (lower thigh); a small bone lies behind - it, the _fibula_. - - 44. The hock (curb place). - - 44'. The point of the hock. - - 46. The cannon bone. - - 47. The large pastern joint. - - 48. The fetlock and ergot. - - 49. The small pastern joint. - - 50. The coronet. - - 51. Hind-foot and hoof. - - - - -ADDENDA. - -GOOD RULES TO BE REMEMBERED. - - -(1.) When in company with a gentleman, an accomplished horsewoman will -prefer to have him ride at the right side of her horse, because, being -thoroughly able to control her steed, she will require little or no -assistance from the cavalier. On the contrary, if she be an -inexperienced rider, it will be better for the gentleman to ride at the -left side, because, in this position, his right hand will be free to -render any assistance she may require, and he will also be placed -between her and any approaching object. - -(2.) A finished horseman, when riding at the left side of a lady's -horse, will not allow his spurs to catch in her dress, nor will he -permit his steed to press so closely against this left side as to injure -or interfere with the action of her left foot and leg. - -(3.) In the park, or in any public place, a gentleman should always -approach a lady on the off-side of her horse. - -(4.) When in company with two ladies, a gentleman should ride on the -off-side of them, and never between the two, unless they request it. - -(5.) When obliged to pass or meet a lady who is riding without an -escort, always do so at a moderate gait; this is an act of politeness -and consideration which may prevent her steed from becoming fractious. - -(6.) When passing by a horseman who is leading another horse, never -ride by him on the side of the led animal, for if you do the latter will -be apt to kick or plunge, and become unruly. This precaution is -essential for the safety of the horsewoman, as well as for the better -management of the led horse by the horseman. In a crowded place it will -be better to wait until there is sufficient room to pass without -hindrance. - -(7.) Give assistance to a companion, or other lady rider, when it is -indispensable for her safety, but do not give advice unless directly -requested. And if, when you are riding a fractious horse, assistance be -politely offered, do not decline it. - -(8.) In city, town, or village, always ride at a moderate gait. - -(9.) Be extremely careful never to ask for a friend's horse to ride, but -always wait until the animal is freely offered, and when accepted, do -not follow the advice contained in the horseman's proverb,--"With spurs -of one's own and the horse of a friend, one can go where he pleases." - -(10.) Before setting out for a ride, in company with other lady riders, -the equestrienne, after having mounted, should move a short distance -away from the others, and then keep her horse perfectly quiet and -steady; by this course the neighboring horses will not be apt to become -uneasy and restive while her companions are mounting. - -(11.) Always, when with others, begin the ride at a moderate gait. A -number of horses, fresh from the stable, when assembled together, are -apt, if started on a gallop, to become too highly excited; and it will -always be better to have them start slowly. - -(12.) Should a lady be a better horsewoman than her companions, and be -riding a horse superior to theirs, she should restrain him, and not -allow him to be constantly in advance of the others. It will be more -courteous for her to follow the lead of her companions, and to consult -with them as to the kind and rapidity of gait most agreeable to them. -The preceding rules of politeness and propriety will be readily -understood and appreciated. A lady under no circumstances will forget -her tact and consideration for others. - -(13.) In riding up hill the body should be inclined forward, and the -bridle-hand be advanced, in order to give the horse space to extend his -head and neck, as it is natural for him to do under such circumstances. -In case the ascent be very steep, the rider may support herself by -holding, with her right hand, to her horse's mane, but never to the -off-pommel, because her weight may cause the saddle to slip backward. - -(14.) In riding down hill the body must be inclined more or less -backward, in proportion to the steepness of the hill, and as the horse -lowers his head upon the commencement of the descent, the rider must -advance her bridle-hand just enough barely to feel his mouth. Timid and -awkward riders, on descending a hill, are apt to confine the horse's -head too much, thus keeping it too high, and preventing him from freely -stepping out, as well as from placing his feet firmly upon the ground. -By doing this, they are likely to bring about the very catastrophe they -are trying to avoid, namely, a stumble and a fall. Never ride at a rapid -gait when going down hill. - -(15.) It is always customary to keep to the left when passing by others -on horseback or in vehicles, who are going in the same direction as the -rider; and in passing those who are approaching, to keep to the right. -But, in the latter instance, should anything be present that might cause -the horse to shy, and a declivity, ditch, or other source of danger be -on the right, while none exists on the left, it will then be safer for -the rider to take the left side. - -(16.) When crossing a stream, or when allowing one's horse to drink from -it, a watchful eye should be kept upon him, especially in warm weather, -lest he attempt to take an impromptu bath. If he begins to paw the -water, or bend his knees, the rider must raise his head, give him a -sharp stroke with the whip, and hurry him on. - -(17.) After severe exercise, or when the horse is very warm, he should -neither be fed nor be allowed to drink until a sufficient time has -passed to enable him to become composed, rested, and cool. Many a -valuable steed has been lost because his mistress did not know this -simple, but highly important rule. Again, a horse should never be ridden -at a fast gait just after he has eaten a meal, or taken a good drink; he -should be allowed at least an hour in which to have his meal digested. - -(18.) A horse should never be allowed to drink from a public trough, if -it can possibly be avoided; and when he is permitted to do so, the -trough should first be emptied and then filled anew. Horses often -contract serious diseases from these public drinking-places. - -(19.) When riding over a rough road, the horse's mouth should only be -lightly felt, and he should be allowed to have his own way in selecting -the safest places upon which to step. - -(20.) When it is observed that the horse is moving uneasily, at the same -time violently twitching his tail, or giving a kick outward or under -him, the rider may be certain that something is hurting him, and should -immediately dismount, loosen the saddle-girths, and carefully inspect -the girths, the saddle, and parts touched by them to ascertain whether a -nail be loosened from the saddle, the skin be pinched or abraded, the -hair be pulled upon by the girths, or whether some hard object has -become placed beneath the saddle, etc.; she should also carefully -examine the head-stall and bit, to see that all is right about the -horse's head; after having removed or diminished the irritating cause, -she should carefully readjust both saddle and girths. - -(21.) If, when riding rapidly, it be observed that the horse is -breathing with difficulty and with a strange noise, or that his head and -ears are drooping, the rider should immediately stop him, as he has been -driven too hard, and is on the point of falling. - -(22.) A lady's horse should never be placed in harness, because in order -to pull a load he will be obliged to throw his weight forward, thus -spoiling the lightness of his saddle gaits. - -(23.) When turning a corner the horse should not be drawn around by the -reins; these should merely indicate the desired direction for the turn, -and should never be drawn upon more than will bring that eye of the -animal which is toward the direction of the turn into view of the rider. - -(24.) Should a horse which is usually spirited move languidly, and, -during warm, or moderately cold weather, have his hair stand out and -appear rough, particularly about the head and neck, or should he -frequently cough, it would be better to relinquish the ride, have him -returned to the stable, and a warm bran-mash given to him as quickly as -possible. It may be that he has contracted only a cold that can be -checked by prompt measures. But should he continue to grow worse, a -veterinary surgeon should be speedily summoned. Be very firm and decided -in not permitting the groom to administer his favorite patent medicines, -because such nostrums are as liable to occasion injury to animals as -similar preparations are to human beings. - -(25.) A few observations with regard to shoeing a horse may not be -amiss. It may happen when riding on a country road, that one of the -horse's shoes will come off, and the rider be obliged to resort to the -nearest rural blacksmith to have it replaced. In such case she will -find that some knowledge on her part of the manner in which a shoe -should be fitted to a horse's foot will prove very useful. The -blacksmith should not be permitted to cut the frog (the soft and elastic -substance in the middle of the foot) of the foot, but should leave it -entirely alone, and pare around the margin of the hoof just enough to -adjust the shoe evenly and firmly. Country blacksmiths, as well as many -in cities, are very fond of paring and rasping the horse's hoof, as they -think they can make a neater fit of the shoe by such a course. An -eminent writer on the subject of shoeing states that, except in case of -disease, undue paring and rasping are never indulged in by persons who -understand how to fit a shoe to the horse's feet properly; he also -observes: "This is paring and rasping the horse's foot till it be small -enough to fit the shoe, rather than kindle a fire and forge a new set -which shall just suit the feet of the animal. It may to some readers -seem like a jest, to write seriously about the horse's shoes being too -tight; but it is, indeed, no joke to the quadruped which has to move in -such articles. The walk is strange, as though the poor creature were -trying to progress, but could obtain no bearing for its tread. The legs -are all abroad, and the hoofs no sooner touch the ground than they are -snatched up again. The head is carried high, and the countenance denotes -suffering. It is months before the horse is restored to its normal -condition." - -(26.) There is not the least necessity for stables being the foul -smelling places they so frequently are, for if the hostler and his -assistants perform their duties properly all offensive odors will be -banished. A foul atmosphere in a stable, besides being repulsive to -visitors, is, not unfrequently, the cause of blindness and other -diseases of the horse, who will also carry the odor in his hair and -communicate it to the clothing of his rider as well as to her saddle. -For these reasons, a lady should always positively insist that the -stable as well as the horse should be kept perfectly clean and free from -obnoxious exhalations. Attention to cleanliness, and a free use of -disinfectants will bring about this highly desirable result. - -(27.) After a ride, the saddle should always be aired, and placed where -the sun's rays can fall upon its under surface. After exercise that -causes the horse to perspire freely, the saddle should not be removed -until he has become cool; this will prevent him from having a sore back, -from which he often suffers when this precaution is neglected. - -(28.) When a lady stops in her ride to visit a friend, she should always -attend to her horse herself--be sure that he is properly hitched; that -in warm weather he is fastened in a shady place, and that in cold -weather he is protected, as far as possible, from the cold, as well as -from wind, rain, or snow. It will sometimes happen, especially in the -country, that, instead of being hitched, the horse will be allowed to -remain free, but within some inclosure, that he may nibble the grass; in -this instance, the saddle should always be removed, as otherwise he may -roll upon it. A city horse, when ridden into the country, should not be -allowed to eat grass, from a mistaken idea that it will be a good treat -for him, for, as he is not accustomed to it, it will be very apt to -injure him. - -(29.) After a good seat and attitude in the saddle have been obtained, -more freedom is allowable; should the rider have occasion to speak or to -look aside, she should never move her shoulders, but only her head, and -this momentarily, because it is required that a good lookout in front be -kept up, to discover and avoid obstacles. - -(30.) Delicate persons who desire to derive benefit from horseback -riding in the country should select suitable hours in which to pursue -this exercise. The intense heat of a summer noon should be avoided, as -well as the evening dew, the imperceptible dampness of which will -penetrate the clothing and, perhaps, implant the germ of some serious -malady. Riding upon a country road in the noon heat of a summer day, -where there is little or no shade, will tan and roughen the finest -complexion, will overheat the blood, and will occasion fatigue instead -of pleasure. An hour or two after sunrise or before sunset will be found -the more pleasant and healthful periods of the day for this exercise. -Riding in the country, when enjoyed at proper hours, is a sure -brightener of the complexion, aerates and purifies the blood, and -imparts wonderful tone to the nervous and muscular systems. Yet, in -their great fondness for this exercise, ladies frequently carry it to -excess, making their rides far too long. - -(31.) What to do with the whip, when making a call, has puzzled many a -lady rider. Shall it be left outside, where it may be lost, or shall it -be taken into the parlor, where its belligerent appearance will be -entirely out of place? This much mooted question can soon be settled by -the gentleman who assists the lady to dismount; he will usually -understand what is required, and take charge of it himself. Or, in the -absence of a cavalier, the whip may be handed to the groom who attends -to the horse, or to the porter who waits upon the door. But should no -groom or porter be present, it may be placed in some convenient and -secure spot, as would be done with a valuable umbrella. - -(32.) Before mounting her horse, a lady should always pat his head and -speak kindly to him, and, after the ride, should express her -satisfaction in the same manner. The horse will fully appreciate these -manifestations. Many persons consider a horse a mere living, working -machine, yet it has been satisfactorily ascertained, by those who have -investigated the matter, that this machine has feeling, affection, and a -remarkable memory; that it appreciates favors, has a high sense of -gratitude, and never forgets an injury. - -(33.) The secret of secure and graceful riding is a correctly balanced -seat in the saddle, one perfectly independent of reins or stirrup, and -without exaggerations of any kind, whether the carelessness or -indifference of the instinctive rider, or the affected, pedantic -stiffness of the antiquated _haut ecole_. While maintaining a free, -easy, yet elegant attitude, the rider should present to the spectator -such an appearance of security and perfect equilibrium that it will seem -as if no conflicting movements of the horse could throw her from the -saddle. Carelessness and indifference cause the rider to look indolent -and slovenly, while an affected, exaggerated stiffness and preciseness -give her a ridiculous appearance, and destroy the pleasing effect of an -otherwise correct seat. - -(34.) Go quickly in the walk, quickly and regularly in the trot, and -gently in the gallop. And bear well in mind the following supplication -of the horse:-- - - "In going up hill, trot me not; - In going down hill, gallop me not; - On level ground, spare me not; - In the stable, forget me not." - -All women are capable of enjoying the healthful exercise of horseback -riding excepting those who may be suffering from disease. Every lady who -has the means, whether young or advanced in years, should learn riding, -for its sociability, healthfulness, and pleasure, without regard to her -bodily conformation. It is folly to deprive one's self of this high -enjoyment and captivating exercise, simply because one is no longer -young, has only an ordinary figure, or because some persons appear to -better advantage in the saddle, and ride with more ease and grace. -According to such reasoning, one might as well cease to exist. If a lady -cannot attain perfection, she can strive to come as near to it as -possible, and if she secures a correct seat in the saddle, and a -suitable horse, she will present a decidedly better appearance than one -who, although having the slender, elegant figure so well adapted to the -saddle, yet rides in a crooked, awkward attitude, or on a rough moving -horse. - -To become a complete horsewoman it is not necessary to begin the -exercise in childhood. The first lessons may be taken in the twelfth -year, though many of our best horsewomen did not begin to practice until -they were eighteen years old, and some not until after they were -married. Riding-teachers state that persons past their first youth who -have never ridden learn much more readily, and become better riders than -those who, though younger, have been riding without instruction, and in -an incorrect manner, and, consequently, have contracted habits very -difficult to eradicate. - -Before closing this part of the work, there is one subject to which the -author would earnestly invite attention. When a lady possesses a horse -which has been long in her service, and been treated with the kindest -and most loving care, and she finds that this faithful servant is -becoming old and stiff, or that, from some accident, he has become -almost useless to her, she should not part with him by selling him, for -the ones to buy him will be those who have no sympathy for a horse and -do not know how to treat him properly, but purchase him for hard and -severe labor; their poverty compelling them to this course, as they -cannot afford to buy any but old and maimed horses of very little value. -To a well-treated and trained animal, the change from caresses to harsh -treatment, from the pleasant task of carrying the light form of his -mistress to the hardest of drudgery, must be acutely felt. The horse -which has been kindly and intelligently managed is one of the most -sensitive of living creatures, and has been known to refuse all feed and -die from starvation, when placed under the charge of a cruel and -ignorant master. - -When the lady finds her favorite steed permanently useless, and cannot -afford him an asylum in which to pass the remainder of his days in rest -and freedom from labor, she should have some merciful hand end the life -that it would be cruel to prolong in the hands of a hard master, simply -for the few dollars that might be obtained for him. To thus destroy the -animal may appear heartless, but, in reality, is an act of mercy; as it -is much better for him to die a quick, painless death, than to be sold -to a life of toil, pain, and cruelty, in which, perhaps, he may pass -mouths, if not years, of a living death. - - * * * * * - -In terminating the present volume, the writer ventures to express the -hope that her appeal to American women to seek health, beauty, and -enjoyment in the saddle will not be passed by with indifference, and -that the lady rider, after a careful perusal and due consideration of -the instructions herein laid down for her benefit, may be awakened to a -spirit of enthusiasm, and an endeavor "to well do that which is worth -doing at all." To gain a knowledge of horsewomanship is by no means a -mysterious matter confined to only a favored few, but is, on the -contrary, within the reach of all. The requirements necessary to manage -the horse are soon learned, but, as is the case with every other -accomplishment, it is practice that makes perfect. Practice alone, -however, without study or instruction, will never produce a finished -rider; and study without practice will rarely accomplish anything. But -when study and practice are judiciously combined, they will enable one -to reach the goal of success, which every earnest rider will strive to -attain. - -In the endeavor to render the instructions and explanations in this work -as clear and comprehensible as possible, many repetitions have -unavoidably occurred; but as the book was more especially designed to -instruct beginners, as well as those self-taught riders who have not had -the advantage of a teacher, it was thought advisable not to leave any -point in doubt, but as far as possible to render each subject -independent of the others, and strongly to impress many essential points -upon the mind of the reader. - -To a majority of my countrywomen, with their natural tact and grace, it -was only deemed necessary to point out their errors in riding; attention -once called to them would, it was believed, undoubtedly lead to their -prompt correction, and these riders would then cease to be victims of -ignorance, constantly upon the verge of danger from incorrect methods of -riding, and soon be able to excel in that most desirable and fascinating -of all womanly accomplishments, secure and graceful horseback riding. - -This has been the principal object of the author, who would not only -have women ride well and elegantly, but with the confidence and -enjoyment that true knowledge always imparts. Having spent so many happy -hours in the saddle herself, she wishes others to experience a similar -happiness, and if a perusal of these unpretending pages will create a -zeal among her countrywomen for this delightful and invigorating -exercise, and enable them to enjoy it in its highest sense, it will -prove a source of much gratification to her, and she will rest satisfied -that her efforts have not been in vain. - - - - -GLOSSARY - -OF TERMS USED IN HORSEMANSHIP. - - -_Aids_: The various methods employed by a rider to command the horse, -and urge him to move forward, backward, etc., and in such gaits as may -be desired. The superior aids are the hands acting through the medium of -the reins; the inferior aids are the leg and whip. See _Effects_. - -_Appui_, Fr. _Support_: The "give and take" movements, by which the -horse is supported in his gait, called "appui of the hand." The -sensation of the pressure of the bit upon the bars of the horse's mouth, -experienced by the rider's hand. _Appui of the Collar_: The slope or -talus presented in front at the union of the crest of the neck with the -shoulders. - -_Attacks_: Methods for urging or inducing the horse to enter upon any -gait or motion required. See _Aids_. - -_Bars_: The upper part of the gums (in a horse) that bears no teeth, and -which is located on each side of the lower jaw. This part lies between -the grinders (back double teeth) and the tusks; or, in mares and in -horses deprived of tusks, between the grinders and the incisors (front -cutting teeth). It is against this part, the bars, that the curb-bit -rests. See _Cheek of the Bit_. - -_Bear to the right_: To keep the right leg, from hip to knee, as -stationary as possible, by downward pressure upon the right side of the -saddle seat, and between the first and second pommels, at the same time -keeping a firm knee-grasp upon the second pommel without hanging upon -it; by this means, the rider guards against inclining to the left, a -movement very apt to be produced by her position in the saddle and the -motion of her horse. The body of the rider must be maintained in an -erect position all the time she is bearing to the right. See _Incline to -the Right_. - -_Boot_: A term sometimes applied to that part of the saddle-girths or -flaps back of the rider's leg, and at which the horse may attempt to -kick; also applied to the inferior portion of the rider's leg. - -_Bridle-hand_: The left hand. When both hands hold the reins they are -called the _bridle-hands_. - -_Bridoon_: The snaffle-bit and rein, when used in connection with the -curb-bit, but acting independently of it. The two bits together in the -horse's mouth are called "the bit and bridoon," or "the curb and -bridoon." - -_Bringing up to the bridle_, also _Kept well up to the bridle_: To place -the horse's head up and in position, so that when proper tension or -pressure is made upon his mouth he will readily obey the reins. Some -horses require stronger pressure than others, as stated under -_Correspondence_. - -_Cannon bone_, also _Shank_: The long bone situated between the knee and -the fetlock joint on the front part of each fore-leg of the horse. - -_Canon_: That part of a bit, on each side, that rests upon the bars of a -horse's mouth when the bit is correctly placed. - -_Cantle_: The somewhat elevated ridge at the back part of the -saddle-seat. - -_Cheek of the Bit_, also _Bars of the Bit_: The external straight or -curved rods (levers) forming the sides of a curb-bit, and which, when -the bit is in the horse's mouth, are applied along the outer sides of -his mouth, the reins being attached to their lower extremities. That -part of these rods situated below the bit in the month is called "the -lower bar," or "cheek," and that portion above the bit, "the upper bar," -or "cheek." - -_Chin-groove_: The transverse furrow in which the curb-chain rests, on -the under surface of a horse's lower jaw, at the back part of the lower -lip. Also called "curb-groove." - -_Collected canter_: A canter in good form. - -_Correspondence_: The degree of rein-tension made by the hand of the -rider upon her horse's mouth, which, when properly established, creates -a correspondence between her hand and the animal's mouth, so that the -slightest movement of the one is immediately felt by the other; in all -cases this correspondence must first be had before any utility can be -obtained from the "give and take" movements. Some horses require a -greater degree of tension for this purpose than others, according to -their training and the range of sensibility of their mouths. - -_Croup_: The hind-quarters of the horse, from and including the loins to -the commencement of the tail. This term is also applied by some to the -upper part of the animal's back, where the haunches and body come in -contact. - -_Curb-bit_, also _Lever-bit_: A bit with a straight or curved lever or -rod attached on each side, designed for the purpose of restraining the -horse. - -_Curb-chain_: A chain attached to the upper bar or cheek of the -curb-bit, and passed along the chin-groove, from one side of the bit to -the other. - -_Curb-hook_: A hook attached to the curb-chain, and designed to fasten -it to the upper bar of the curb-bit; there are two of these hooks, one -on each side of the bit. - -_Decompounded_: Taken to pieces; each act, movement, or part of a whole -or group, by or of itself. - -_Defend_: A horse is said to defend himself when he refuses to obey, or -attempts to bite, kick, etc.; he resists, contends. - -_Defenses_: The resistances made by a horse when required to do -anything, or when he is ignorant of the acts or movements demanded of -him; he becomes alarmed, injured, or malicious, and employs his -defenses. - -_Double bridle_: The reins of the curb-bit and bridoon, when both bits -are placed together in the horse's mouth. - -_Dumb-jockey_: A couple of stout sticks or poles, crossed in the form of -the letter x, and fastened upon the saddle; the reins are attached to -the upper ends of these, and a hat may be placed upon one of them. Used -in training colts. - -_Effects_: Movements made by the hands, often aided by the leg or whip, -which serve to urge the horse forward, backward, to the right, or left; -indications. - -_Equestrian_: A gentleman rider on horseback. - -_Equestrienne_: A lady rider on horseback. - -_Equine_: From _equus_, Lat. A horse; pertaining to a horse. - -_Equitation_: Horseback riding. - -_False pannels_: Pannels are stuffed pads or flaps, attached to and -beneath certain parts of the saddle, in order to prevent these from -injuring the horse; when these stuffed pads can be fastened to, or -removed from the saddle at pleasure, they are termed "false pannels." - -_Fetlock_: The tuft of hair that grows upon the back part of the fetlock -joints of many horses' legs, and which hides the ergot or stub of soft -horn that lies behind and below the pastern joint. - -_Fetlock joint_: The joint between the cannon and the upper pastern bone -of each foot. - -_Force the hands_: The hands are said to be forced when the horse throws -his head downward, pulling upon the reins so as to cause the rider to -support the weight of the animal's head; sometimes this is effected so -suddenly as to jerk the reins out of her hands. - -_Forehand_: All that part of the horse in front of the rider. - -_Get out of condition_: A horse is said to be in "good condition" when -he is well, fresh, and sound; the reverse of this is termed "out of -condition." - -_Girths_: Stout straps or bands passed from one side of the saddle and -underneath the horse's abdomen to the other side, where they are buckled -tight and fast; they are designed to keep the saddle securely upon the -horse's back. - -_Give and take_: The traction and relaxation of the reins made by the -fingers, and which must correspond with the movements of the horse's -head; this action keeps up a correspondence with the horse's mouth, and -at the same time supports him in his gait. - -_Hand_: The height of a horse is usually measured by hands, four inches -being equal to one hand. A rider is said to "have hands" when she knows -how to use her hands correctly in controlling the horse by means of the -reins. - -_Haunches_: When a horse is made to throw his weight chiefly upon his -hind-quarters, he is said to be "well placed on his haunches," and will -then move more lightly upon his fore-legs. The haunch-bones are three in -number, the superior one of which is firmly united to the spinal column -(backbone) near its posterior extremity; the lower one on each side -forms a joint with the thigh bone, passing downward in a more or less -oblique direction. The obliquity of these bones enables the horse to -place the muscles of the part in a position to act with greater -advantage and power, and the degree of this obliquity serves to -distinguish the thorough from the low bred, it being greater in the -former. Wide haunches and broad loins are indications of strength and -speed. - -_Hippic_: Of, belonging to, or relating to the horse. - -_Hock_, also _Tarsus_: The part or joint between the cannon or shank -bone and the lower thigh or gaskin of the hind-leg: it consists of six -bones; the part at this joint that projects backward and somewhat inward -is called the "point of the hock." The hock is an important part of a -horse, as any unhealthy or diseased condition of it will prevent him -from resting on his haunches, and will thereby interfere with his free -action in the canter and gallop. - -_Immobility_: A disease in which the horse becomes unable to move, -probably referable to the nervous system. - -_Incline to the right_, or _to the left_: This differs from "bearing to -the right," which see. It means, to incline the body, from the hips -upward, to the right (or to the left), either when turning or riding in -a circle. - -_In confidence_: A horse is confident, or in confidence, when he -completely surrenders his own will, and implicitly trusts to his rider -without dreaming of resistance. - -_Inward rein_: In turning or circling, the "inward rein," as well as the -"inward leg," is the one on the same side as that toward which the horse -turns, or the one toward the centre of the circle of which the turn -forms an arc. - -_Legs well bent_: See "_Well-bent hind-legs_." - -_Lip-strap_, or _Curb-strap_: Two small straps stitched to the curb-bit, -designed to prevent a horse from taking the cheek of this bit into his -mouth; an unnecessary appendage when the cheek is curved. - -_Lunge-line_: A long strap or cord attached to the nose-band of the -cavesson or head-stall of a horse in training, by means of which the -trainer exercises and instructs him while he is moving around in -circles. - -_Near-side_: The left side. _Near-pommel_: The second pommel, on the -left side of the side-saddle; the second pommel of the old-fashioned -saddle was called the "near-pommel," and the name still attaches to it. -The "third pommel" is variously called the "leaping head" and the -"hunting-horn," and is located on the left side of the saddle and below -the second pommel. - -_Off-side_: The right side. _Off-pommel_: The pommel on the right side -of the saddle. - -_Outward rein_: In turning or circling, the "outward rein," as well as -the "outward leg," is the one opposite to the direction toward which the -horse turns. - -_Overreaching_, also _Forging_, _Clinking_: Is when a horse in moving -forward strikes the heel or back part of a fore-foot with the toe or -front part of the shoe of the hind-foot. When the stride of the -hind-legs is carried so far forward as to strike the coronet or upper -part of the hoof, it is then termed a "tread." - -_Pirouette_: A movement in which a horse turns around without changing -his place, the hind-leg of the side toward which he moves forming the -pivot upon which he supports himself. - -_Port of the bit_: The arched part in the centre of the curb-bit. - -_Resistances_: See _Defenses_. - -_Retroacting_: A horse retroacts when, in his volts, he steps aside, -bearing his croup to the centre,--also when he backs toward an obstacle -and fixedly remains there, against the will of his rider; and also when -he suddenly throws himself upon his hocks at the moment his rider checks -or stops him. - -_Ring-bar of the saddle_: A bar attached beneath the saddle-flap on the -left side and at its upper part, over which the stirrup-leather rolls. - -_Saddle-tree_: The skeleton or solid frame of a saddle, upon which the -pommels, leather, padding, etc., are properly disposed. - -_Snaffle-bit_: Is the mildest bit used in driving a horse: there are two -kinds, the plain snaffle and the twisted, and the latter form may be -made to act very severely. - -_Surcingle_: A wide band of cloth or leather, of sufficient length to -pass around the body of a horse, and employed either to keep a blanket -upon him, or to keep down the flaps of the saddle or the shabrack. - -_Thrown forward upon his shoulders_: A horse is said to be thrown in -this manner when, in moving, he throws his weight chiefly upon his -shoulders and fore-legs instead of upon his hind-quarters; he is then -also said to "go heavy on his fore-legs." - -_Turn upon the shoulders_: A horse is said to "turn upon his shoulders" -when he throws his weight upon his fore-legs during the act of turning; -it is a disunited movement. - -_Tusks_, also _Tushes_: These are the canine teeth, two in each jaw, -which grow between the grinders (back double teeth) and the incisors -(front cutting teeth), being closer to the latter than to the former. -They are frequently missing. Their uses are not well known. - -_Volt_: The movement of a horse while going sidewise in a circle, his -croup being toward the centre. There are several varieties of volt. An -_inverted_ or _reversed volt_ is when the head of the horse is kept -toward the centre of the circle. - -_Well-bent hind-legs_: A horse with straight hind-legs does not possess -good and easy movements; but if these limbs be well bent, he can be well -placed on his haunches, and be easily collected, so that his action will -be true and pleasant. See _Haunches_. - -_Yield the hands_: Is to give the horse more rein by advancing the hands -without allowing the reins to slip. To _give a free rein_ is to allow -the animal all the length of rein he requires without any traction or -opposition. - - - - -INDEX. - - - Addenda, 301. - - Adjusting the bit, 89. - the saddle, 71, 93. - - Affection of the horse, 4, 16. - - Amble, the, 197, 217. - - Appui, 313. - - Arab horse, 16, 23. - - - Backing, 152, 193, 281. - - Balance strap, 81. - - Balking, 281. - - Basque, the riding, 53. - - Bit, 84. - adjusting the, 89. - Chifney, 84. - combination, 85. - curb, 85. - curb, Dwyer's, 86. - curb and bridoon, 85. - curb and bridoon, to hold reins of, 160. - Pelham, 84. - snaffle, 84. - snaffle, to hold reins of the, 152. - - Biting, 283. - - Bolting, 240, 289. - - Boots, riding, 59. - - Box-stalls for horses, 49. - - Bridle, 82. - double, 166. - ladies', 82. - - Bucking, 284. - - - Caligula and his horse, 15. - - Canter, 221. - disunited, 234. - false on the turn in, 234. - from trot to, 232. - stop in, 236. - to commence the, 227. - true, 223, 234. - turn in, 233, 234. - united, 234. - with left leg leading, 230. - with right leg leading, 227. - - Capriciousness of horses, 4. - - Cares for the horse, 4, 44, 47. - - Cavalry trot, 21, 199, 203. - - Changes of pressure on horse's mouth should be gradual, 174, 195. - - Changing the reins, 156. - quickly, 158, 165. - - Character of the horse, 4. - - Circling to the left, in trot, 216. - - Circling to the right, in trot, 215. - - Coiffure, riding, 60. - - Collect the horse, to, 170, 177. - - Collected horse, 177. - - Combination bit, 85. - - Confidence of horse, 5, 16, 317. - - Corns on horse's feet, 32. - - Correct position of limbs, 124. - - Correct seat for a lady, 118. - - Correspondence, 168, 314. - - Corsets injurious for riding, 6. - - Corsets, riding, 60. - - Country jog-trot, 21, 198. - - Critical situations, 271. - - Crossing water on horseback, 304. - - Curb-bit, 85. - Dwyer's, 86. - and bridoon, 85, 160. - and bridoon, reins of, in one hand, 160. - when best to use, 170, 174; note, 178. - - Curb-chain, 87. - - Curry-combing the horse, 45. - - - Dangers in the hand gallop, 240. - - Dangers of turns in flying gallop, 242, 248. - - Dead pull upon the reins, 169. - - Defenses of the horse, 271. - - Differences between high and low bred horses, 23. - - Dismounting, 99, 108. - gentleman's aid in, 109. - without assistance, 111. - - Distinguished equestriennes, 46. - - Disunited canter, 234. - horse, 177. - - Double bridle, management of, 166. - - Drawers, riding, 59. - - - Ears, the language of horses', 25, 273. - - Education of the horse, 35. - - English trot, 21, 200, 207. - - Equestriennes, distinguished, 46. - - Erroneous ideas about riding, 7. - - Exercise of the horse, remarks upon, 50. - - - Fabric for riding-dress, 57. - - Falling down of the horse, 286, 294. - - False on the turn, in canter, 234. - - Faulty position of limbs, 136. - - Fay's training, 38. - - First lessons in riding, 22, 125, 149, 217. - - Flying gallop, 238. - carriage of body in, 246. - holding of reins in, 240. - management of horse in, 239. - stop in the, 248. - turns in, dangers of, 242, 248. - - Flying leap, 249, 267. - - Flying trot, 198. - - Foot-hoop in skirt, 56. - - Foot, the leading, 209. - - Forcing the hands 169, 316. - - Formation of low-bred horse, 24. - - Formation of thoroughbred horse, 24. - - French trot, 21, 199, 203. - - - Gaits for a lady's horse, 20. - - Gallop, the, 238. - - Gallop, flying, dangers of turns in, 242. - flying, to stop in, 248. - flying, turns in, 242, 248. - hand, 238. - - Gauntlets, riding, 64. - - Gayety of the horse, 282. - - Gentleman's aid in dismounting, 109. - - Gentleman's aid in mounting, 103. - - Girthing the saddle, 77, 93. - - Girths, 76, 95. - - Give and take movements, 169, 171, 316. - - Glossary, 313. - - Good riding, tight corsets incompatible with, 6. - - Grooms, 44, 50, 97, 305. - - - Habit, the riding, 52. - - Hair, in riding, 61. - - Hand gallop, 238. - dangers in, 240. - - Hard mouth of horses, 50. - - Hat, the riding, 62. - - Head-dress, 61. - - Health from horseback riding, 3. - - Height of horse for a lady, 19. - - Holding the reins, 145. - in flying gallop, 247. - - Holding the riding skirt, 65. - - Holding the whip, 66. - - Horse, affection of, 4, 16. - cares of the lady for, 4, 44, 47. - character of, 4. - collected, 177. - confidence of, 5, 16, 317. - defenses of, 271. - dismounting the, 99, 108. - disunited, 177. - education of, 35. - exercise of the, 50. - falling down of, 286, 294. - for a city lady, 30, 31. - for a country lady, 37. - gaits of, for a lady's, 20. - height of, for a lady, 19. - livery stable, for a lady, 51. - managing the, 145. - managing, with different reins, 145. - mounting the, 99. - origin of the, 13. - purchase of, 18, 30. - temperaments of the, 22. - the, 13. - the Arab, 16, 23. - the kind of, to select, 18. - the low-bred, 23. - the thoroughbred, 23. - to collect the, 170, 177. - to stop the, 152, 156, 164, 191, 212, 236, 248. - training the, 34. - treatment of the, 35. - united, 177. - unsteadiness of, while being mounted, 290. - whipping the, 295. - - Horseback, positions on, 129, 133, 137. - riding, healthy, 3. - the seat on, 114. - wrong positions on, 115, 128. - - Horses, box stalls for, 49. - corns on feet of, 32. - hard mouth of, 50. - humane training of, 35. - ladies', attentions to, 4, 44, 47. - moderate priced, 31. - mouth, changes of pressure on, should be gradual, 174, 195. - stalls for, 47, 49. - - Horse's head, raising the, 174. - - Humane training of horses, 35. - - Hunting, 10. - - - Introduction, 1. - - - Jacket, the riding, 53. - - Jog-trot, the country, 21, 198. - - - Kicking, 282. - - - Ladies riding in park, observations on, 128. - - Lady, cares of, for her horse, 4, 38, 44. - correct seat for a, 118. - horse for a, 18, 30, 34. - livery-stable horse for a, 51. - - Lady's attention to her horse, 4, 38, 44. - bridle, 82. - horse, what gaits for a, 20. - pantaloons, 58. - saddle, 69, 93. - visiting her stable, 44. - whip, 66. - - Language of horse's ears, 25, 273. - - Latchford's safety stirrup, 80. - - Leading foot, which is the, 209. - - Leap, the, 249. - the flying, 249, 267. - the standing, 249, 253. - - Length and width of saddle, 72, 73. - - Lennan's safety stirrup, 80. - - Lessons with lunge-line, 42, 125. - - Liberty of reins, when to give, 175. - - Limbs, correct position of, 124. - faulty position of, 136. - - Livery-stable horse for a lady, 51. - - Long stirrup-leather, 74, 139. - - Low-bred horse, formation of, 24. - - Lunge-line lessons, 42, 125. - - - Management of the horse in flying gallop, 239. - - Managing the horse with reins, 145. - - Martingales, 83. - - Moderate-priced horses, 31. - - Mounting, 99. - from a high horse-block, 100. - from a low horse-block, 101. - from the ground, 101. - gentleman's aid in, 103. - unsteadiness of horse while, 290. - - Movements of the rider's body, 6. - - - Natural riders, 8, 114, 128. - - Near pommel to saddle, 317. - - - Observations on ladies riding in park, 128. - - Off-pommel to saddle, 75, 317. - - Origin of the horse, 13. - - Original position of snaffle-reins, one in each hand, 150. - - Original position of snaffle-reins, both in one hand, 154. - position of snaffle and curb reins, all in one hand, 161. - position of snaffle and curb reins, one of each in each hand, 166. - - Over-reaching, 293, 317. - - - Pace, the, 21, 197, 218. - - Pantaloons, a lady's, 58. - - Petticoat, the riding, 58. - - Placing the saddle, 71, 93. - - Plunging, 176, 284. - - Pommels to saddle, 69. - use of, 70, 73, 100, 116. - - Position of limbs should be taught by a lady, 144. - - Positions on horseback, 129, 133, 137. - original, of reins, 150, 154, 161, 166. - - Pressure on horse's mouth, changes of, to be gradual, 174, 195. - - Pupil and teacher, 142. - - Purchase of horse, 18, 30. - - - Racing trot, 198. - - Rack, the, 21, 218. - - Raising the horse's head, 174. - - Rearing, 286. - - Rein, to loosen or tighten one, when double bridle is in left hand, 162. - - Reining back in the walk, 184, 193. - - Reins, changing the, 156. - curb and bridoon in one hand, 160. - dead pull upon, 169. - double, one in each hand, 166. - double, to change from left to right hand, 164. - double, to change from right to left hand, 164. - double, to separate, and hold one of each in a hand, 165. - holding the, 145. - snaffle, both in one hand, 152. - snaffle, both in one hand, original position of, 154. - snaffle, both in one hand, to separate, 158. - snaffle, both in one hand, to stop the horse, 156. - snaffle, both in one hand, to turn to the left, 155. - snaffle, both in one hand, to turn to the right, 155. - snaffle, one in each hand, 149. - snaffle, one in each hand, original position of, 150. - snaffle, one in each hand, to stop the horse, 152. - snaffle, one in each hand, to turn to the left, 151. - snaffle, one in each hand, to turn to the right, 151. - to change quickly, 158, 165. - to change snaffle from left to right hand, 156. - to change snaffle from right to left hand, 157. - to hold, in flying gallop, 247. - to return snaffle, to the left hand, 157. - to shorten the curb and lengthen the snaffle, 162. - to shorten the snaffle and lengthen the curb, 163. - to shorten or lengthen the curb and snaffle, 162. - to shorten or lengthen the snaffle, 159. - when to give more liberty of, 175. - - Remarks, on exercise of horse, 50. - on grooms, 44, 50, 97, 305. - on the stable, 44, 47. - on training the horse, 34, 35, 43. - - Restiveness, 173. - - Rider's body, movements of, 6. - figure, style of, 18. - natural, 8. - - Riding basque, 53. - boots, 59 - coiffure, 61. - corsets, 60. - dress, fabric for, 57. - - Riding, does not produce coarseness in rider, 9. - drawers, 59. - erroneous ideas concerning, 7. - first lessons in, 22, 125, 149, 217. - gauntlets, 64. - habit, 52. - habit, shirt, 59. - habit, skirt of, 55. - habit skirt, how to hold, 65. - habit, waist of, 53. - hair in, 61. - hat, 62. - jacket, 53. - pantaloons, 58. - petticoat, 58. - whip, 66, 308. - - Rising in the saddle in English trot, 207. - - Running away, 288. - - Running walk, 20. - - - Saddle-flaps, 76. - - Saddle, girthing the, 77, 93. - lady's, 68, 93. - length of, 72, 73. - off-pommel to, 75. - placing the, 71, 93. - seat to the, 72. - second pommel to, 68, 75. - third pommel to, 68, 73, 74. - to adjust the, 71, 93. - to rise in the, in English trot, 207. - weight of the, 76. - width of the, 73. - - Safety stirrups, 79. - - Seat, correct one for a lady, 118. - on horseback, 114. - to saddle, 72. - - Separation of the reins, 165. - - Shirt, the riding-habit, 59. - - Short stirrup-leather, 74. - - Shying, 273. - - Skirt, foot-loop in, 56. - holding the, 65. - of the riding habit, 55. - - Snaffle-bit, 84, 148. - when best to use, 148, 170. - - Spring-bar attachment to stirrup-leather, 80. - - Spur and whip, 294. - - Stable, ladies visiting the, 44. - - Stalls for horses, 47, 49. - - Standing leap, 249, 253. - - Stirrup, 74, 79. - irons, 81. - leather, 74, 81. - leather, spring-bar attachment to, 80. - leather, too long, 74, 139. - leather, too short, 74, 136. - - Stokes' mode of girthing the saddle, 77. - - Stop in the canter, 236. - the English trot, 212. - the flying gallop, 248. - the walk, 191. - - Stumbling, 176, 292. - - Style of the rider's figure, 18. - - Support, 168, 173, 313. - - - Teacher and pupil, 142. - - Temperaments of the horse, 22. - - The Arab horse, 16, 23. - - The canter, 222. - - The gallop, 238. - - The horse, 13. - - The kind of horse to purchase, 18, 30. - - The leap, 249. - - The low-bred horse, 23. - - The saddle and bridle, 67. - - The seat on horseback, 114. - - The thoroughbred, 23. - - The trot, 197. - - The walk, 181. - - Third pommel, 68-74, 121, 202. - - Thorough and low bred, differences, 23. - - Tight corsets prevent good riding, 6. - - To change reins quickly, 158, 165. - - To collect the horse, 170, 177. - - To hold the riding-skirt, 65. - - To manage the horse with the various reins, 145. - - To rise in the saddle in the English trot, 207. - - Too long stirrup-leather, 74, 139. - - Too short stirrup-leather, 74, 136. - - To turn the horse to the left, 151. - - To turn the horse to the right, 151. - - Training horses, humane, 35. - remarks on, 34, 35, 42. - to stop at the voice, 43. - - Treatment of horse, 34, 35, 42. - - Trot, circling to the left, 216. - circling to the right, 215. - country-jog, 21, 198 - English or rising, 21, 200, 207. - French or cavalry, 21, 199, 203. - the flying, 198. - the true, 199. - to canter from the, 232. - - Trotting in a circle, 214. - - True trot, 199. - - Turns in the canter, 233, 234. - dangers of, in the flying gallop, 242, 248. - in the hand gallop, 240. - in the walk, 187. - - - United canter, 234. - - Unsoundness of horses' feet and legs, 23. - - Unsteadiness of horse while being mounted, 290. - - Use of pommels, 70, 73, 100, 116, 202. - - - Victoria stirrup, 79. - - - Waist of riding habit, 53. - - Walk, reining back in, 184, 193. - running, 20. - stopping in the, 191. - the, 181. - the advance in the, 184. - turning in the, 187. - - Weight of the saddle, 76. - - What gaits to train a lady's horse in, 20. - - When best to use the curb, 170, 174, note 178. - best to use the snaffle, 148, 170. - - When to give more liberty of reins, 175. - - Which is the leading foot, 209. - - Whip, the lady's, 66. - the lady's, how to hold, 66. - - Whipping the horse, 295. - - Whip and spur, 294. - - Why some women do not enjoy riding, 6. - - Width of saddle, 73. - - Wrong positions on horseback, 115, 128. - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Note: - -Punctuation in the text has been standardised, and obvious typographical -errors have been silently corrected. 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