MOUNTED INSTRIX:TT0N 101 



Another method oi lasteninj;- the cincha strap is as follows : Pass the 

 end throiij^h the u[)per ring- to the rear; seize it with the right hand; 

 l)laee the lingers ol the left hand between the outer folds of the straj) ; 

 pull from the horse with the left hand and take u]) slaek with the right ; 

 pass the end of the strap underneath and draw it through the up])er ring 

 until a loop is formed ; double the loose end of the strap and push it 

 through the loop and draw the loop taut. The free end should be long 

 enough to be seized conveniently with the hand. 



Having fastened the cincha strap, let down the right stirrup and then 

 the left. 



The surcingle is then buckled over the saddle, and should be a little 

 looser than the cincha. 



The cincha when first tied should admit a finger between it and the 

 belly. After exercising' for a while the cincha will be found too loose 

 and should be tightened. 



To approximate the length of the stirrup straps before mounting, 

 they are adjusted so that the length of the stirrup strap, including the 

 stirrup, is about 1 inch less than the length of the arm. fingers extended. 

 To obtain RIGHT LENGTH OF STIRRUP LEATHER let the legs 

 hang freely at the side of the saddle; let the stirrup touch the inside of 

 the boot ; arrange length of leather so that the bottom of the stirrup 

 just hits against the bottom of the ankle joint. To obtain proper twist 

 of stirrup straps, stand opposite flank facing croup and twist leather 

 towards horse. The foot which should be inserted from outside of stir- 

 rup will easily and naturally be inserted properly. 



TO UNSADDLE 



The instructor commands: UNSADDLE. 



(a) (McClellan saddle.) Stand on the near side of the horse; un- 

 buckle, then remove the surcingle; cross the left stirrup over the sad- 

 dle; loosen the cincha strap and let down the cincha ; pass to the ofT 

 side, cross the right stirrup, then the cincha ; pass to the near side, cross 

 the cincha strap over the saddle ; grasp the pommel with the left hand, 

 the cantle with the right, and remove the saddle over the croup and 

 place it in front or rear of the horse as may be directed, pommel to the 

 front ; grasp the blanket at the withers with the left hand and at the loin 

 Avith the right remove it in the direction of the croup, the edges falling- 

 together, wet side in. and place it on the saddle, folded edg^e on the 

 pommel. 



If in the stable, place the saddle on its peg when taken ofif the horse. 



The Service saddle, model 1912, should be hung on a bracket suffi- 

 ciently wide for the saddle to rest on its side bars. If a narrower sup- 

 port is used, the saddle will rest on the low point in the leather seat and 

 become misshapen. 



