Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-08-20
HORSEBACK RIDING.
Some Valuable Suggestions in Learning
How to Ride Gracefully

How to Ride Gracefully.
Sixteen is the earliest age at which a
girl should begin to ride, as she is strong
enough then to control her mount, has
more judgment, is better able to put in,
structlon into practice, more amenable to
reason, and more attentive to what is told
her. If the parents impatience will not
admit of waiting for this desirable period
for tuition, it is their duty to see that a
child of more tender years has everything
that can facilitate her learning, and as
sure her such safety as is within their
power.
A common theory is that any old screw,
if only quiet, will do for beginner
Nothing could be more untrue The
horse for novice should have a short but
square and elastic tTOt, a good mouth,
even disposition, and be well hammered,
otherwise the riders progress will be
greatly impeded. Even if the child is
very young, [ think it is mistake to put
her on pony for her initiatory lessons, as
its gaitS are so often uneven, interfering
with all attempts at regular rising to the
trOt Ponies are also more liable to be
tricky than horses, and from the rapidity
Of their movements apt to unseat and
brighten beginner. They are very rogu-
lsh, and will bolt across road without
any reason, or stand and kick or rear for
heir own amusement, and being so quiet
on their feet, their various antics confuse
child so she looses her self-possession
and becomes terrified. 1t is just as bad to
60 to the other extreme, as a large long
gated horse will tire the muscles of the
back, and if combined with sluggish &C.
ton, require twice the exertion needed for
a free traveller. Furthermore, it will in
duce the habit of rising only half so long
as necessary, the remainder of the time
being occupied by double jolt on reach
ing the saddle, which is most objection
able.
1t is shame that little girls are made
to ride in the ill-ftting habits seen half
the time. They must set properly. or the
best riders will be handicapped, and APP
pear at Disadvantage. A child's skirt
should not wrinkle over the hips more
than womans nor should it ruck up
over the right knee, exposing both feet,
while the wind initiates the supcrhuous
folds. Above all things, girl should not
lace nor wear her habit bodice tight, as
no benefit can be derived from riding with
the lungs and ribs compressed.
Before being trusted on horse, a be-
ginner should have the theory of its
management explained to her; and here is
another drawback to infantile equestrian
ism, as a young mind cannot readily
grasp the knowledge. Nevertheless she
must be made to understand the necessity
of riding from balance, instead of pulling
herself up by the horses mouth, and be
shown the action of the curb chain on the
chin. that she may realize why the snaffie
should be used for ordinary purposes, so
that in case of emergency she may have
the curb to fall back upon. She must
know that if she pulls against him, the
horse will pull against her, and therefore
she must not keep dead bearing on his
mouth. UNFOLDING hands are the most
invariable result of riding before realizing
the delicate manipulation horses mouth
requires. A light feeling on the curb, and
light touch of the whip, will show her
how to keep the horse collected, instead of
allowing him to go in a solvenly manner.
When wishing to canter, in place of tug
ging at the reins, clucking, and digging
the animal in the ribs with her heel, the
child should be told to elevate her hands
a triAe, and touch him on the shoulder
with the whip. After being familiarlzed
with such rudimentary ideas of horseman-
ship, comes the time for putting them in
to practice.-Harpers Bazaar.