178 MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



saddle. 3. The left hand quits the mane, and the right the 

 pommel. The reins are taken up at a proper length and 

 the right foot is placed in the off stirrup. 



MOUNTING WITHOUT STIRRUPS. 



If a man be active and of a height proportionate to that of 

 the horse, he may mount in this manner by taking the reins 

 and mane, about half way up the neck, in the left hand, 

 placing the right hand on the pommel, and then vaulting 



Fig. 176. Riding lad preparing to mount. 



lightly into the saddle. Mounting without stirrups according 

 to the Cavalry Regulations, by placing the left hand on the 

 pommel and the right on the cantle, and then supporting the 

 weight of the body on both hands, before throwing the right 

 leg over, may do well enough with a steady school horse, but 

 it is a dangerous and unworkmanlike proceeding with any 

 animal which is not a mere machine ; for if the horse moves 

 after the would-be rider has made his spring and before he is 

 safely in the saddle, he will run the risk of getting a fall, or of 

 having to let go the horse. But, with the left hand on the 



