GETTING A LEG-UP. 179 



mane and the right hand on the pommel, even if he fails to 

 mount, the horse cannot very well break away. 



Lads in training stables usually mount by placing the right 

 hand on the pommel of the saddle and taking hold of the 

 mane about a third of the way up the crest, while standing by 

 the side of the horse's near shoulder (Fig. 176). They then 

 spring up, so as to rest the weight on the animal's withers, and 

 bring the right hand to the off side of the saddle (Fig. 177). 

 Nothing now remains but to throw the right leg over the 



Fig. 177. Riding lad bearing his weight on horse's neck when mounting. 



saddle, and to pick up the stirrups. If a lad is active, though 

 short, he can mount while the horse is walking on, as well as 

 while he is standing, and without the animal being held. 



GETTING A LEG-UP. 



A man should always get a leg-up, especially if he be at 

 all heavy, with a light saddle, say, one not over four pounds 

 weight ; because mounting in the ordinary way would be apt 

 to damage it. With a racing saddle, the jockey should take 

 the reins in his left hand, which he should place on the mane 



