The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1888-06-14
WOMAN IN THE SADDLE.
ETIQUETTE OF. HORSEBACK RID.
ING EXPLAINED TOTHELADIES.


Dress Regulations. The Proper Meth
eds for Mounting Position and
Pose In the Saddle. How TO Carry
the Arms and Hands.
From the Globe Democrat
First as to dress. "Good form" de-
mands that it shall be simple and en-
tireiy without ornament. The habit
itself must be quitodark, or even black
perfectly plain in the waist, with black
buttons up to the neck, and with q
scant, short skirt only just long
enough to cover the feet. The cuffs
and collars must be Of plain linen, no
color or flutter OF ribbon anywhere
permissible. The handkerchief must
not be .thurst into the breast, but kept
in the.saddle pocket, and if aveil is
worn it must be short and black. The
hair should be put up securely so that
it will not shake down. If there is
Ipretense of dressing, the regulation
silk "cylinder" hat should be worn,
which, by-the-way, looks better rather
low in the crown. No petticoats
should be worn, but inerino drawers
and easy trousers of the same materi-
al fastened over the instep with straps.
1
Corsets should be worn loose. Easy
gloves and shoes are suggested, and as
tnthe relative merits OF crop and
whip, the individual is left to her
choice.
"a lady's mount" says Mr., Mead,
"must be immaculate from ear to hoof,
in coat and name entire equipment
1t is in great degree their exquisite
neatness that gives such an air Of
style not only to English horewomen,
but to English turnouts of all kinds,
which, nevertheless, have not usually
the 'spick and span new look OF fash
ionable American equipages. On
coming out, therefore, prepared for a
ride, take time to look your horse over
swiftly, but keenly, noting first that
his eyes and general appearance in
dictate good health and spirits second
| ly, that he has been thoroughly
groomed, his name freed from dan
druf, his hoofs washed, but not black
ed thirdly that the saddle and the
bride are perfectly clean and proper
ly put on Every buckle should have
been undone and cleaned, the leather
supplied, ond the bright metal polish
ed the girths, three in number-nev-
er fewer than two-should be snug,
but not tight enough to impede free
breathing; the bits in their proper
place, that is to say, the snaffle just
high enough up not to wrinkle the
corners OF the mouth, and the curb
considerably lower, with its chain
grove; finally, the throat latch loose" "
In mounting, ease and grace count
, for much. Mr.. Mead's directions for a
successful and satisfactory accom-
, plishment OF this feat are here given
: When the hore is brought to the door,
he says, let the groom stand directly
in flont OF him, holding the bride, not
by the rein, but with both hands by
each cheek, just above the bit. Stand
: moment and look your animal over,
: give your orders quietly and pat his
neck for moment, speaking pleas
antly so that he may get accustomed
to your voice. Now, standing few
inches from the saddle, facing the
same way as the horse, and with your
, left shoulder slightly thrown back
!. place the right hand on the second
: rommel, holding in it the whip, and
the reins drawn just tight enough tc
e give feeling of the bit Your attend
8 ant will stand facing you, and as close
8 as convenient, and will now stooE
9 forward, with hands clasped and with
: his right fore arm firmly supported or
his thigh. Now, with your left hant
: lift your riding skirt in front and plac,
your left foot in his hands. Let 60 tn,
: skirt, rest your left hand on his shoul
der, and, give him the cue by bending
. the right knee, spring up erection tn,
. left foot, and, seating yourself side
u ways on the saddle, place the righ
. knee over the horn.
II your attendant is unused to rem
dering such service, you had bette
:. make your first essays in some seclu
. ded place, in which you can instruc
\ him where to stand, just how high t
lift your foot, and caution him to pu
:. forth strength enough to support yo,
|, steadily without lifting too violently
;. Do not be deferred by awkwardness Of
! his part or on your own from learnin
!; to mount from the ground, for th
4 more awkward the better practice 70
: you. Your attendant will now Iii
= your skirt above the knee, SO that
:. will hang properly without dragging
:. and then disengaging the stirru
- from beneath the skirt, will place you
:. left foot in it.
!" Too much care cannot be take
~ with position in the saddle. The le