Litchfield enquirer., 1830-06-10
LADIES ON HORSEBACK.

Tho nearest approach to manliness that is allowable for female to make, confor- nably with the preservation of her femi- nine character for grace and delicacy, is when riding on horseback. She sits with an air of dignity, which an accasional in- clination forwards and the easy curve of the bridle arm contrasting with the pendant position of the whip one, prevents from appearing stiff or constrained. And then her hat and feathers--her worked collar, and braided coat, studded with small but- tons. giving an air of out-door adventure, made wonderfully interesting by her spark ling eye and che rich Carnation of her cheek, while her falling ringlets shade the deep sufi,sion of her temples. Let us supp pose a fair companion thus mounted and equipped, adding to the charm of her ap- pearance the additional fascination of ready smile and playful remark, and who shall resist her powerl No drawing-room belle inall the decorations of lace and gauge, pearl and diamonds, can look half so lovely or enchanting. We do not. while thus ad- miring lady on horseback, recommend that she should be able to keep up with the hounds in a stag or fox chase, like La dy ---; nor run races for high bets, like Mrs. Thornton, the wife of the cele- brated English sporting colonel of that name. lt is enough that she should guide her steed with readiness, and not be alarm- ed when its gate is accelerated, or it dis plays occasional restiveness. Should she be ignorant of this art and desirous of gain- ing tho requisite information, we would refer her, after her father, or brother, or cousin, to the ' Principles of Modern Rid- ing for Ladies,",a work which the author says, "will ensure tho security, ease, and grace of tho riders. ."-Mr. Allen Is no charlatan in the business. He lays down oyory thing very tnethodically, and teaches the requisites for successful horse-riding-- we were going to say horsemanship. His description of what ought to be the charac- ter of a lady's horse, strikes us as excellent. We could hardly wish for better in her companion on tho road, we might say through life. He should, says MT. Allen, be nowiss choleric or impatient in compa. ny he ought to be smooth in all his paces steady and safe on the foad--and suita- bly, dressed or broke. But as well educa- ted horse. such as would correspond with this description, is as rare as highly pol- ished and accomplished gentleman, the la dies tn the country, generally, must put up with steeds which have somo awkward tricks, such as occasionally shying, ifnot kicking and rearing. To cit well, and manage horse. demand not only dexterity but patience; and hence another advan- tage In female becoming an equestrian. She will 6nd the little arts of smoothing the qaadruped,. such as stacking the reins- putting its neck and an encouraging word, excellent preparations for the management Sf q .resfive biped with whom she may choose tp pass. years of her life. On the suhiecf of what Mr. Allen calls aids-ani- mations--soothings- --cora ections--as we'll as the use of the hand, To gives suitable directions In his book. He Discusses also the topics of walk--trot- gaIlop---and amble; which last he considers as tho natl airAlpacs of tho horse also 0f tl5e saddle and bridIe---cnrb and stirFup- mOuntimg--- dismounting of tho seat and of the bal- aIste: He points out the best method of cIfsilag and leapine. if tho lady's ambition abould tempt her, like Diana Vernon, tO