Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-05-27
LADIES ON HORSEBACK.
From, the Journal of Health.

The nearest approach to maniness that 1t IS
allowable for female to make conformably with
tbe preservation of her feminine character for
grace and delicacy, is when riding on horseback.
She sits with an air Of dignir hich an occa-
sional inclination forward and the easy curve of
the bride arm contrasting with the pendant po-
sition of the whip, prevents one from appearing
stiff or constrained. And then her hat and tea-
thers-her worked collar, and braided coat, stud
ded with small buttons, give an air OF outdoor
adventure made wonderfully interesting by her
sparkling eye and the rich carnation OF her cheek,
while her falling ringlets shade the deep sufu-
sion of her temples. Let US suppose fair COM
panion thus mounted and equipped, adding to the
charm of her appearance the additional fasclna-
ton of a ready smile and playful remark
and who shall resist her power? No draw
inc room belle in all the decorations of lace and
sauze. pearl and diamonds, can look half so live
" or enchanting. We do not while thus admir-
ing lady on horseback, recommend that she
should be able to keep up with the hounds In a
stag or fox chase, like Lady; nor run races
for high bets, like Mrs. Thornton, the wife OF
the celebrated English sporting Colonel OF that
name. 1t is enough that she should guide her
steed with readiness, and not be alarmed when
its gait is accelerated, or it displays occasional
restiyeness. Should she be ignorant of this art
and DESTROYS of gaining the requisite Information,
we would refer her, afer her father, or bro
Their, or cousin. to the "Principles CT Modern
Riding for ladies' work which the author
saws, will secure the security, ease and grace OF
the riders Mr.. Allen is no Charlatan in the
business. He lays down every thing very me-
thodically. and teaches the requisites for sue
cessful horse -ridinS-we were going to say horse
manship His description Of what ought to be
the character of lady's horse, strikes us as ex-
cellent. We could hardly wish for better in
her companion on the road: we mig say through
life. He should, says Mr.. Allen be nowise chol-
eric or impatient in company: he ought TO be
smooth in all his paces-steady and safe on the
road--and suitably dressed OF broke. But as
well educated horse, such as would correspond
with this dissertation, is as rare as highly pol
ished and accomplished gentleman, the ladies IN
the country, generally. must put up with steeds
which have some awkward tricks, such as occa-
sionally shying, if not kicking and rearing. To
sit we'll, and manage a horse. demand not only
dexterity but patience; and hence another ad
vantage in female becoming an equestrian.-
She will find the little arts of soothing the quad
ruped, such as Stacking the reins-patting itsneck
-and an encouraging word. excellent prepare
ton for the management of FESTIVE biped with
whom she may choose to pass years of her life.
On the subject of what Mr. Allen calls aids
MISUNDERSTANDING well as
the use of the hand, he gives suitable directions
in his book. He discusses also the topics of walk,
trot, gallop and amble; which last he considers
as the natural pace of the horse; also of the sad
die and bride, curb and stirrup. mounting, dis
of the seat and of the balance. He
points out the best method of Circling leaping.
and if the lady's ambition should tempt her. like
Diana Vernon, to clear fence which should OBJ
struct her passage. The better to illustrate his
meaning, he has given no less than twenty-three
plates Of the different positions, movements and
described in his work.
The beneficial effects on the health of females
of riding OH horseback, are Of a very decided
character. In all those ailments indicated by
the vague epithets ofnervousness, without pain
or much fever, where there is palpitation.\ ire
mors, paleness of complexion, sick headache,
deficient or irregular appetite, and the many dis
turbances associated with indigestion, this kind
of exercise viii often do more good than all the
art medicinal. But there is one condition, of
performance. for the accomplish
ment of the desiged end: it is that the rider shall
not be so corseted, ted or buckled up, as at all
to impede the free expansion of her chest, and
movement in every direction of her arms. She is
not expected, nav she is expressly forbidden, to
sit on her horse, unyielding and unbending, as
when int drawing room or at dinner table
Such position is as ungracefll as it is adverse
to the healthtul enjoyment of equestrian exer-
else.
'By John Allen, Riding Master, London.