MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 107 



Being at stand to horse, at the command MOUNT, face to the right, 

 drop the right rein, take a step to the right to be opposite the shoulder 

 of the horse; at the same time seize the bights of the reins in the right 

 hand and pull them taut enough to give a gentle, even bearing on the 

 horse's mouth; grasp the reins with the left hand, with the little finger 

 between them, and the bight coming out between the thumb and fore- 

 finger, which also hold a lock of the mane. Place the left foot in the 

 stirrup, assisted by the right hand if necessary, and bring the left knee 

 against the saddle. The riders are also trained to dismount on the 

 right side. 



Place the right hand upon the cantle, rise by an effort of the right 

 leg, aided by the arms, the left knee bent and pressed against the saddle, 

 the upper part of the body inclined slightly forward to keep the saddle 

 from turning; bring the right foot by the side of the left; change the 

 right hand to the pommel, pass the right leg, knee bent, over the croup 

 without touching it, and sit down lightly in the saddle. Put the right 

 foot in the stirrup, assisted by the right hand if necessary. 



At the command DISMOUNT, pass the right rein into the left hand 

 and grasp with this hand a lock of the mane, place the right hand on the 

 pommel, and remove the right foot from the stirrup ; pass the right leg, 

 knee bent, over the croup without touching the horse and bring the 

 right foot by the side of the left, the left knee against the saddle, the 

 upper part of the body inclined slightly forward, right hand on the 

 cantle. Descend lightly to the ground and take the position of stand 

 to horse. 



TO MOUNT WITHOUT SADDLE 



Being at stand to Horse, at command MOUNT, face, to the right, 

 drop right rein, grasp the left rein in the right hand, take two steps to 

 the right, sliding hand along left rein. Make a half face to left when 

 opposite girth, and with the aid of the left hand take both reins in 

 right hand, forefingers between reins. Right hand well back on 

 withers, reins coming into hand on the side of the forefinger, held so 

 as to feel lightly the horse's mouth. Bight falling on the off side. 

 Grasp a* lock of mane with the left hand, springing up to the position of 

 "Leaning Rest" arms extended, body inclined slightly forward, rest- 

 ing weight on right hand, pass right leg, knee bent over horse's croup. 

 Sit down lightly on horse's back. 



TO DISMOUNT WITHOUT THE SADDLE 



Grasp the reins with the right hand in front of and near the left hand, 

 forefinger between the reins, the reins entering the hand from the side 

 of forefinger. Drop the rein with the left hand. Place the right hand 

 well back on withers. Grasp lock of the mane with left hand, raise the 

 right leg, knee bent over the croup. Take position of Leaning Rest ; 

 arms extended, body bent slightly forward, legs and body on near side 

 of horse. Lower body lightly to ground. Stand to horse. 



