e, a lady's horse is rarely put to this pace, unless used for
the field. The trot, again, is but little practised: still the complete
lady's horse is expected to be capable of performing it with great
precision of step, and but little concussion to the rider:--many ladies
regarding it,--however discountenanced by the majority, perhaps,--as
preferable, from its vigour, liveliness, and dash, to any other pace.

To expatiate on the absolute necessity of the lady's horse being safe on
his limbs, would be needless.

The mouth should be sensible of the most delicate hint of the rider's
will, communicated to it by means of the bit. A horse that pulls hard,
or hangs heavily upon the reins, is very unsuitable for a lady's use:
so, again, is one having the mouth so tender as to suffer from moderate
pressure, either by the snaffle or the curb. The former is no less
fatiguing to, than the latter is distressed by, the bridle hand.

[Illustration]

PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS.

In the selection of these, a lady has a fair opportunity for the proper
display of a refined and judicious taste. All that is gaudy, needless,
or even elaborate, is vulgar. Perfect simplicity, indeed, as regards,
not only her own costume, but "the trappings of her palfrey," is
expected, at the present day, on the part of every well-bred female
equestrian.

The habit should fit the bust, without a crease: but, beneath the waist,
it ought to be, not only long, but, somewhat full and flowing. Its
colour should be dark as possible, without being positively black.

The hair should be plaited; or, if otherwise dressed, so arranged and
secured, that it may not be blown into the rider's eyes; nor, from
exercise, or the effect of humid weather, be liable to be so
discomposed, as to become embarrassing.

To ride in a bonnet is far from judicious. A hat, or neat undress
military cap, is indispensable to the female equestrian. It should be
secured most carefully to the head: for, the loss of it would not merely
be inconvenient, but, perhaps, dangerous, from the startling effect
which its fall might produce on the sensitive temperament of the horse.

A veil is the reverse of objectionable, provided it be of moderate
length, and safely tied to the hat or cap; which, it is proper to state,
should have no other ornament or appendage.

The whip should be exquisitely neat and highly finished; but with
little, if any, decoration.

[Illustration]

ACCOUTREMEN