The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling ExercisesHenderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Science
The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises
Henderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Horsemanship
As regards the stamp of horse the fair _débutante_ of the chase should
ride, I have already endeavoured to give my idea. I have only to add
that he should be very fit for his work, the pink of condition, without
being above himself; and, finally, that no temptation as to fine action
or clever fencing should ever induce a lady to ride a hunter that has a
particle of vice about him. With the best of piloting it is impossible
always to keep her out of a crowd, where she is in a woeful dilemma if
mounted on a horse that kicks at others. I have seen this more than
once, and have heard expressions from the suffering riders that must
have been far from pleasing to refined feminine ears. I must, however,
record a special instance of politeness under difficulties which I
witnessed during the past season. Hounds were running with a breast-high
scent, the pace very fast, when the leading division had their extended
front diminished to single file by a big bullfincher, practicable only
in one place. Among those waiting their turn to jump was a lady who
always rides very forward. She was mounted on a rare-shaped, blood-like
animal, that looked all over like seeing the end of a long day, but
exhibited considerable impatience at the check. In some cases, as all
hunting people know, the difficulty is always increased to those who are
compelled to wait by a ruck of riders crowding up from the rear. The
case I allude to was no exception to this rule, and among others came a
welter middle-aged gentleman, riding a horse quite up to his weight--a
grand hunting looking animal, that appeared intent upon clearing every
obstacle in his path, not excepting the impatient ones who were doing
the gap in Indian file. The veteran, however, who was a capital
horseman, managed to pull up his too-eager steed just in rear of the
lady's horse, and was forthwith accommodated with a most vicious kick
with his near hind leg. Fortunately, the distance was too great to
admit of the stout gentleman receiving the full benefit of the intended
favour, which nevertheless made his boot-top rattle, and materially
altered the genial expression of his rubicund visage. Turning gracefully
in her saddle, the fair votary of the chase expressed her deep regret at
the bad behaviour of her horse. "I am very sorry--awfully sorry; I hope
you are not hurt," she said, in a tone which ought to have consoled any
middle-aged sportsman for a broken shin. "I never knew him to do it
before," continued the lady. "Pray don't say a word, Miss," replied the
old gentleman, taking off his hat with a genuine thoroughbred air;
"don't say a word; they are only dangerous when they do it behind."
Whether they do it "behind" or "before," kick in a crowd at other
horses, or hit at hounds with their fore feet (as some thoroughbreds
will do when excited), they are equally disqualified for ladies'
hunters, however gaily they may sail over the turf or clear the
obstacles in their way.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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