CHAPTER IV
THE WOMAN RIDER
FOR the many women nowadays who ride across saddle, all principles and methods are precisely the same as for men. This discussion, therefore, concerns only those who use the side-saddle.
A horse to be ridden by a woman should accord completely in color, conformation, temper, regularity of gaits, and safety, with the age, build, temperament, social position, and equestrian skill of the rider. It must, at the very least, be well broken, trained to the side-saddle, and wonted to every object commonly met in city or country. It should, in addition, possess two special qualities. The first is that it should go forward freely, without needing continually to be urged, and yet, at the same time, be restrained and directed without too much exertion on the rider's part. The second is that it should be absolutely surefooted at all three gaits. A horse with a long, free, easy walk is preferable. One with any tendency to rear is quite out of the question.
It is by the correct simplicity of her dress, the firmness of hat and hair, that the horsewoman will make possible both her comfort and that elegance which, for the woman rider, takes the place of beauty.
