hat period, given by Garsault; in which, it
is curious, a sort of hold-fast is provided for the fair equestrian's
right hand. But, even so recently as Garsault's time, the saddle in
ordinary use, by French women, was, we learn from his work on
equitation, still, a kind of pillion, on which the rider sate,
diagonally, with both feet resting on a broad suspended ledge or
stirrup. The pillion in this country has not yet become obsolete; being
still, frequently, to be seen, on the backs of donkies and hack ponies,
at watering places. During the early part of the present century, its
employment continued to be general. It was fixed behind a man's saddle,
on the croup of a steady horse, trained to go at an easy though
shuffling pace between a walk and a trot. The groom, or gentleman,
equipped with a broad leathern belt buckled about his waist--by which
the lady secured her position, in case of need--first mounted; and his
fair companion was then lifted, backwards, and behind him, into her
seat. In an old work on horsemanship, written by one William Stokes,
and published at Oxford, it is not, perhaps, unworthy of notice,
directions are given for vaulting into the saddle, _after_ the lady has
been placed on the croup; together with a plate illustrative of so
exquisitely nice and marvellously absurd an operation. In Mexico "they
manage these things," if not "better," at all events, with more
gallantry, than our forefathers did, for with them, "the _pisana_, or
country lady," we are told, "is often seen mounted _before_ her
_cavaliero_; who, seated behind his fair one, supports her with his arm
thrown around her waist." Our illustrative sketch of this custom (in the
preceding page) is taken from a beautiful model,--the work of a native
Mexican artist.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Having, now, offered our fair readers a slight and unpretending
historical sketch of female equestrianism, we shall proceed, after a few
preliminary remarks, to the practical details of the art.

Its various advantages, inducements, and attractions, as an exercise,
have, already, been noticed. Much, however, as we wish to interest our
fair countrywomen, in its favour, it is proper, on our part, to tell
them, frankly, that equestrianism is far from being an intuitive
art:--there is no "royal road" to it. To be enjoyed and appreciated, it
must be learnt. That ease and elegance,--that comparative safety in the
side-saddle, of which we have spoken,-