The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-20
WOMEN In THE SADDLE.
THE ETIQUETTE OF HORSEBACK RID
ING EXPLAINED TO THE LADIES.
Dress Regulations-The Proper Method
for Mounting-Position and Poise In
the saddie-How to Carry the Arms
and Hands.

out ornament. The habit itself must be
quite dark, or even black, perfectly plain
in the waist, with black buttons up to the
neck, and with scant, short skirt only
just long enough TO cover the feet. The
cuffs and collars must be Of plain linen,
no color or lutter Of ribbon being any
where permissible. The handkerchief
must not be thrust into the breast, but
kept in the saddle-pocket, and ii veil is
worn IL must be short and black. The
hair should be put up securely so that it
will not shake down. II there is pre-
tense Of dressing the regulation silk
''cylinder" hat should be worn, which,
by-the-by, looks better rather low in the
crown. No petticoats should be worn,
but merino drawers and easy trousers Of
the same material fastened over the instep
with straps. Corsets should DO worn
loose. Easy gloves andshoes are suggested,
and rs TO the 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 aud name and entire equipment IL
is in Il great degree their exquisite neatness
that gives such an air OF style not only TO
English horsewomen, but to English turn.
outs of all kinds, which, nevertheless, have
not usually the 'spick and span new look
OF fashionable American equipages. On
coming out, therefore, prepared for ride,
take time TO look your horse over swiftly,
but keenly, noting first that his eye and
general appearance indicate good health
and spirits; secondly, that he has been
thoroughly groomed, his name freed from
dandruf. his hoofs washed, but not black
ed thirdly; that the saddle and bride are
perfectly clean and properly put on.
Every buckle should have been undone
and cleansed, the leather supplied,
and the bright metal polished; the
girths, three in number-never fewer
than two 49, should be snug, but
not tight enough TO impede free breath
ing; the bits in their proper place, that is
TO say, the snaille just high enough up not
TO wrinkle the corners OF the mouth. and
the curb considerably lower, with its
cham, which should pass below the
snaiile, lying flat and smooth against the
skin in the chin groove; finally, the throat
latch loose"
In mounting, ease and grace count for
much. MIR. Mead's directions for sue
cessiul and satisfactory accomplishment Of
this feat are here given: When the horse
is brought TO the door, he says, let the
groom stand directly in front Of him, hold
ing the bride. not by the rein, but with
both hands by each cheek, just above the
bit. Stand moment aud look your
animal over, give your orders quietly and
pat his neck for a moment, speaking
pleasantly 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 pommel holding In
IL the whip, and the rcins drawn just
tight enough TO give feeling of the bit.
Your attendant will stand facing you, and
M close ~ convenient, and will now stoop
forward. with hands claspcd aud with his
right fore arm firmly supported ON his
thigh. Now. with your left hand liit
your riding skirt In front, and place your
left foot in his hands. let 10 the skirt,
rest your left hand on his shoulder, and,
giving him the cue by bending the right
knee, spring up erect on the left foot, aud,
seating yourself sideways on the saddle,
| plutt hilff UNtl HNius
II your attendant Is unused TO rendering
such service, You had better make your
iirst essays in some secluded place, In
which you can instruct him where to
stand, lust how high 10 lift your
foot, and caution him 10 put forth
strength enough 10 support you steadily
without lifting too violently. DO not be
deferred by awkwardncss on his part or
on your own from learning 10 mount from
the ground, for the more awkward the
better practice for YOU. Your attendant
will now liz your skirt above the knee,
NO that II will hang properly without drag
gng, and then disengaging the stirrup
from beneath the skirt, will place your
left foot in IL.
Too much care cannot bo taken with the
position in the saddle. The left leg should
invariably hang perpendiculafly from the
knee, with the heel depressed, aud with
the foot parallel with the horses side.
The length Of the siirrup strap should
he such that the knee thus - out Of con-
tact with the huntingdon, but neal
enough 10 be brought firmly up against II
by raising the heel. The right knee
should rest easily but snngly over the
pommol, 10 as 10 grasp u In case the hons,
springs. Neither foot should be allowed
10 sway about nor project NO ~ to be seen
awkwardly poking out Of the skirt. II
your clothing does not feel quite comfort
able rise In your stirrup and shake u
down, resting your hand, II necessary, on
your attendants shoulder, for II viii b,
very awkward should Il become disar
ranged on the road. Now, put your hand
kerchici In the saddle pocket. take th,
reins In tho left hand, or Ia both hands
M you prefer, and start the horse with !
touch Of the heel. II Is very bad form
TO start him with n cut OF the whip. II i
Is necessary nj this time 10 turn abou
make your horse step around with hi
hind legs, 40 as 10 avoid turning you
back and presenting the horses haunchci
toward any one with whom you may b
talking.
A question much discussed aud disputed
In this country IL this; On which side o.
her escort should lady ride 2 In Englan,
the universal habit Of turning 10 the lief
, places the lady ON the left, but here ",
turn 10 the right, and 10 the lady shoul,
he on the right Mr.. Mead wonders tina
some independent American ladies do no
vet the fashion Of sitting ON the right side
| Tho Princess Of Wales, he says, always doe
l 40 for some special reasons, and the En-
, press OF Austria, one Of the bodies
, and most graceful ridcB, M well n
I one OF tho most beautiful women II
Europe, has saddles made both ways
, using them alternately. Tie sam
, plan Is adopted by noble ladie
! Of England who hunt regularly In IN
season. However accepted the prcscn
| fonfnine acat a n thing not 10 Il