The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-05-31
woMEN,s SADDLE HORSES.
Ladies Who Ride Should Learn to Choose
Their Own Horses.

How much more delightful than all
the outdoor pastimes under the sun,
the one that will quickest bring the
roses to a woman's cheek, and what is
better still, keep them there the long
est, is horseback riding, says the N. Y.
Herald. What can be more delightful
than swift canter on a well-mannered
animal through the paths of the park
OF the lanes OF the country?
1t is an ideal pleasure, for. the we'll
mounted equestrienne feels a bond of
friendship between herself and her
steed, and in time they feel a COM
radeship that is denied to the rider
of that creature of steel and rubber
the bicycle.
Many riders have the idea that
poor horse is better than no horse at
all, but it must be confessed that
many an otherwise pleasant ride is
spoiled by hard-gaited or hard-bitted
and obstinate animal.
Too often the choice of lady's sad
die horse is left to the tender mercies
of coachman or groom, the best of
whom are frequently in league with
the dealers. Your man whom you
matters is apt either through ignorance
or wilfullness, to bring you a fair-ap-
pearing hack which he declares "is as
gentle as kitten, as sound as dollar
and as easy as a rocking chair" but
which afterward turns out to be an i'll
tempered brute, as clumsy and jolting
as dray horse.
Ladies who ride should take the
trouble to learn the points of horse.
Take any good book on the subject
and spend an hour occasionally in
studying the diagrams and put this
theoretical knowledge to use by care
fully noticing the points of the horses
that you see. Object lessons, after all,
are the best and one would be sur
prised to know how quickly one will be
able to talk knowingly and intelli-
gently about quarters, shock,
"stifes," cribs" and "withers."
For many years the blue grass re-
gion of Kentucky has been noted fol
the excellence of its saddle horses.
The term "Kentucky saddle horse" is
even now the synonym for well &C
toned, well hammered animal, with
often variety of gaits. Kentuckians
have always been proud of both theil
horses and their women, and perhaps
to the excellence of the one is due the
excellence of the other.
OF late years, however, the horse
| breeders of the North have been pay
| ing more attention to the raising ano
training-not breaking" barbarou
term-of animals intended for u.s.
under the saddle, so that now it is no
necessary either to go or send south 0
Mason and Dixon's line for suitable
charger.
The farmers are learning that judi
cious crossing between thoroughbred
and the better strains of so-callet
"cold- -blooded" animals will produc
ideal saddle horses.
A horse for woman's use depends
of course, upon the character of tn
rider. Some women prefer large
snowy animal of the high school type
while others are predisposed in favo
of the long striding hunter class.
The best animal for woman's use
however, is obtained by crossing
thoroughbred sire with hackney o
perhaps a mare of the once popula
morgan" strain. This gives hors
that at once combines courage an
style, while disposition will in the ma
jority of times be made OF spoiled b
handling.
The best matured foal in the worl
can easily be ruined by careless Q
incompetent handler. After the colt
habits are formed ordinary care an
Judgment will suffice.
Above all, become acquainted wit
your mount. Let him know you
voice and touch, but never allow hir
to forget that while you are very goo
friends, you are none the less his maj
ter. When the time comes for him
mind show your authority and let hir
feel your power, and you will alway
be- bon canaaradeS.
If it is necessary for you to use th
whip use it, but let your mount kno
why you are using it. He will r
member it. Never punish unless it
needful, and if you think that appr
baton is deserved do not hesitate
give it. An apple or lump of sug,
occasionally given will be appreciate
and you will be able to feel that til
dumb thanks rendered in return al
none the less sincere, even if only fro
the eyes.