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CHAP. XIII.] much in the way, entangling the rider's limbs, and embarrassing the horse's movements if it fell.

The skirt should not be longer than just to cover the feet, and the material chosen should be as light as possible. From angola, tweed, or serge, much more comfortable habits can be made than from heavier cloths, and the waist is thus saved from the drag of a heavy skirt. For the same reason the upper portion of the skirt and trousers should be well shaped to the figure, as shown in the shaded portion of Plate 5, E, F.

There is perhaps no exercise more agreeable and health-giving than riding, especially if it is possible to quit the dust and stones of the road, and the monotony of the "Ladies' Mile" for a canter over breezy downs, or a turn across country with the hounds. In the open country, however, where the ground is uneven, and there is frequently some obstacle in the shape of a fence or ditch to be cleared, an exceptional strain is put upon the abdominal muscles and internal organs of the body.

This fact is so far recognized by physicians that many of them recommend that growing girls should abstain from equestrian exercise from the time that they enter upon their "teens" until they have attained their full growth.

An hour's continuous lesson in riding will make many ladies feel "saddle-sick," and this is especially the case after trotting for any length of time upon a horse whose paces are at all rough. When this feeling is induced the rider should at once