120 MANUAL FOE NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



Placing too much weight on the stirrup disturbs the seat and 

 contracts the leg, hindering its freedom of action. 



If the toe is not inserted far enough the trooper risks losing 

 his stirrup ; if inserted too far suppleness is diminished. 



The heel is carried naturally lower than the toe if the ankle 

 joint is not rigid. 



For the extended gallop, in the charge, for the use of 

 weapons, and for leaping obstacles the foot is inserted fully 

 in the stirrup. 



191. To mount: Being at stand to horse, MOUNT. 



(a) Face to the right, drop the right rein, grasp the left 

 rein in the right hand, take two steps to the right, sliding 

 the hand along the left rein, make a half face to the left 

 when opposite the girth ; with the aid of the left hand take 

 both reins in the right, forefinger between the reins, the right 

 hand on the pommel, the reins coming into the hand on the 

 side of the forefinger, and held so as to feel lightly the horse's 

 mouth, the bight falling on the off side. Place the left foot 

 in the stirrup, assisted by the left hand if necessary, and 

 bring the left knee against the saddle; grasp a lock of the 

 mane with the left hand, lock coming out between the thumb 

 and forefinger. 



( & ) Spring from the right foot, keeping the hands firmly in 

 place, the left knee bent and pressed against the saddle, bring 

 the right foot by the side of the left, body inclining sligl*tly 

 forward ; pass the right leg, knee bent, over the croup without 

 touching it. sit down lightly in the saddle; let go of the mane; 

 insert the right foot in the stirrup, assisted by the right hand 

 if necessary; take a rein in each hand, the rein coming into 

 the hand under the little finger and passing out over the sec- 

 ond joint of the forefinger, the thumbs closed on the reins, the 

 bight of the reins falling to the right. 



The reins should be so held that the trooper feels lightly 

 the horse's mouth, the fingers closed until the nails lightly 

 touch the palms of the hands ; the reins well up in the crotch 

 of the fingers ; the backs of the hands vertical and in prolonga- 

 tion of the forearm ; the wrists flexible ; the elbows near the 

 body and low, so that the forearms will be in prolongation of 

 the reins ; the hands about 9 inches apart. 



