Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-04-28
HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE.

Some Valuable Hints to Mounting and
Riding in Company.
Half the accidents to women originate
in their own fright, and the object of
lessons is as much to infuse confidence
as to give instruction. Any horse suit
able for woman can be ridden and
managed with ease by anyone who will
keep her head. When her horse is led
up to the door the equestrienne may
dismiss all fear and look with una1loyed
pleasure at what lies before her. Many
women, especially in the south, mount
from block. 1t is capital thing to learn,
and with modern short skirts is easy. A
woman should be able, at necessity, to
mount from a fence, as she can with
steady horse. If riding alone and her
horse picks up a stone she must get it
out or lame him; but unless she can
mount unassisted she dares not dis
mount. Women usually ride in compa-
ny, but in the country it is well to he
independent. It is quite possible to
mount small horse by letting down
the stirrup leather far enough to insert
the foot, but this savors of gymnastics.
In being mounted it is three-fourths
the lady's spring and one-fourth the
lifting Of the cavalier which tells. Some
little women are heavier in mounting
than sack of meal, and others of
greater avoirdupois and no more of
strength need scarce fingers exertion.
Only very muscular men can lift
woman bodily into the saddle, and no
one likes to do it. One of the worst
preparations for ride is the irritation
caused a man by having to exhaust his
strength in mounting his partner.
When the seat is straight and strong
the hands can be as light as the horses
mouth. The perfection of riding is to
accomplish everything with as slight
muscular effort as possible. The bit
should be such as to prevent the horse
from boring on your hands and yet not
make him restless. The adjustment of
the bit to produce the best results is a
matter requiring much judgment and
experience. Every horse has his Pc
culiarities.
There are many methods of holding
the reins. Provided the curb and snaf-
fe reins are kept so distinct that each
can be quickly shortened or heightened
any method is good. The fashion of
the day is to ride with both hands, but
q woman's horse should guide by the
neck or bit at will. To be unable to
surdity. In any case, hold the hands
low.
In company. keep together. Nothing
is so annoying as to have your compan-
ion ahead of or behind you half the
time. Companions should ride as they
walk, side by side. One of the charms
of equestrianism, conversation enliv-
ened by the brisk motion and sugges-
tive surroundings, is quite lost unless
you keep together. Good riders can
chat at a rapid trot or an inspiriting
canter as well as at a walk, because,
whatever their gait, they remember
that they ride for companionship as
well as exercise. Lack of familiarity
with saddle work is quickly betrayed
by the failure to keep abreast.
Dismounting is about as easy as get
ting out of a carriage. It may be done
gracefully or ungracefully. An active
woman can slide to the ground without
assistance. Be sure your skirts are
clear of your horse and your feet clear
of everything. The rest comes readily.
IN. Y. Sun.