on the saddie, and tlie leg and thigh are thrown 

 over the croupe ; and he slips his hand from the 

 cantle to the pommel of the saddle, for the 

 purpose of seating himself easily. By raising 

 and turning in the toe of the right foot he then 

 places it in the off stirrup. 



This method of mounting a horse is evidently 

 meant only for the military man, w^hose disci- 

 pline requires a degree of precision, and w^hose 

 motions are marked by a distinct word of com- 

 mand. "Without it, there would be no uni- 

 formity. It is a precision, too, which is only~ 

 observed while in the ranks •, for in the bustle 

 of an action, if the soldier be dismounted, it 

 is entirely dispensed with. The man of plea- 

 sure should certainly adopt the outline, but 

 there is no occasion for his observance of so 

 much formality. It is essential, however, that 

 he should perform it with elegance; and he 

 cannot do better than take for his example the 

 military method. 



The first lessons of riding commence by 

 quitting the bit-rein, and taking the snaffle, or 

 badoon rein, in each hand, and without stir- 

 rups, which teaches them independent firm- 

 ness on the saddle. 



