W THE BIDING-SCHOOL. 25 



without caring what is her escort's method of 

 assistance. 



Mounting from a high horseblock is a matter 

 of being fairly lifted into the saddle, and you 

 cannot possibly do it improperly. It is easy, 

 but it gives you no training for rides outside 

 the school, and masters use it, not because they 

 approve of it, but because their pupils, not 

 knowing how easy it is to mount from the 

 ground, often desire it. 



But, being in the saddle, turn so as to face 

 your horse's head, put your right knee over the 

 pommel, and slip your left foot into the stirrup. 

 Then rise on your left foot and smooth your 

 skirt, a task in which your master will assist 

 you, and take your reins and your whip from 

 him. 



How shall you hold your reins ? As your 

 master tells you ! Probably, he will give you but 

 one rein at first, and very likely will direct you 

 to hold it in both hands, keeping them five or 

 six inches apart, the wrists on a level with the 

 elbows or even a very little lower, and he is not 

 likely to insist on any other details, knowing that 

 it will be difficult for you to attain perfection in 



