Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-04-01
TcoMMUNIcATRD.

iCOhMUNlCATED
Mr.. Editor: observed in your paper of yes
'efoay brief dissertation upon equestrianism,
the object Of which appeared to be to again moot
point which I did suppose had been long since
settled In the article referred to the author
who signs himself "a Constant Reader" calls
upon the gentlemen of Washington to assign
their reasons for occupying so Persistentlva posi-
ton upon the right Of the lady with whom they
may be riding.
Being myself in the habit of frequently riding
in com any with ladies, and fearing that no one
may feel called upon 10 take up the glove which
deem to have been fairly thrown by {" Con-
slant Reader" beg Of you, sir, to give this an
insertion, that at least may have the satisfac-
tion of feeling that il am condemned il has not
been without a hearing.
In the first place, l would say to ga Constant
Reader" suppose you compelled to ride a
horse that is acc ustomed to shy. and while occu
plying your favorite position with regard to the
lady, (yclept in equine parlance the near side, J
your horse is startled BY something on his left,
he Immediately dashes himself with violence
against the lady, and If, most horses do he
happen to rear at the same time ten chances to
one he will entangle his feet in her skirt Again,
suppose, in narrow way, a bridge for instance
or deep cut in the road, you meet vehicle. the
rule Is to keep to the right as the law directs
this, according To nv theory will bring the lad v
next 10 the vehicle should you adhere strictly to
this rule but don't you know, Mr. Z" Constant
Reader, that this law applies only to vehicles
meeting each other, and that persons on horse
back NAV choose which side they will pass and
IL an lHOlNiuudl Chooses or cu1ncPS to ride his
horse az ainst carriage or wagon and thereby
lnJure him, he can only blame himself; he has
no redress al law.
Again, suppose that from any cause a lady
should be about to faint, and ii does not require
a very vivid Imagination to conceive such a
thing-a corpse on the roadside, sudden illness,
an accident happening to one of the party, or
anything of like nature, does not the off side
afford, by far, the best opportunity to render as
sistance. I remember discussing this question
once with friend in the country, and to Illus
tTats the thing fully ordered a couple of
horses-One with a side saddle, and he acted the
part of a lady: and found that while occupying
position on the OFT side I could, without diff
Guilty, remove him from his horse on to mine. he
remaining perfectly passive, but while occupy
Ing the other side the thing was far more diff
cult. Then, too, suppose a lady is rather timid
rider, aud You desire To control her horse for her
Why's surely none will deny that the Off side al-
foTds the best opportunity either TO have a single
rein Of her horse continually in your hand, or to
occasionally take hold of the reins with which
she is riding.
Now, as to which side affords the greatest IA
cilties for conversation, in my opinion the Oft
right side does, beyond the possibility of a per.
adventure. lady, who is properly seated on
her saddle, looks fairly in 'front.' Just as much so
| as does gentleman; and then, OF course the side
that will permit you TO closest to her is the
most desirable. Now, III just ask you, "Mr
Constant Reader" did Won ever court q lady
while riding on horseback with her, Did YOU
ever propose to one under such circumstances ?
- You never did well, if l must tell Ii, !
have; and think know which side is the best
to he on when you would seal happy affirma-
tive with-ahem tell you, sir, to be riding ON
the of or right side of lovely girl (your horses
being quiet and well-trainedj Is, in nv estima-
ton, as good place as being in buggy with
her, where you have the safely of both entirely
in your OWE hands; while riding on the other
side is like being in hack, she on the back seat
YOU on the front, cross old aunt and lynx-eyrd
| mamma occupying the other two seats I mig ht
say much more on this subject, Mr. Editor but
| fear that have already occupied rs much space
YOU afford toa SuB.CRIBFR
Washington, March 10, ISIS.