ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. 93 



In all Ceases the rider should stand at the shoulder, 

 though with a short man, it is mnch easier to mount a tall 

 horse from the hind-quarter. If the hand c^n steady the 

 stirrup it should do so, but if the person is too short it 

 can be placed in the stirrup without its aid; then, tak- 

 ing the reins between the fingers, much as directed in the 

 passage already quoted, and grasping a lock of the mane 

 with the finger and thumb, the body is raised till the 

 right foot is brought to a level with the left, when the 

 right hand seizes the cantle, and with the left grasping 

 the pommel, the body is steadied for a short time, which 

 in the ordinary mount is almost imperceptible, but in a 

 fidgety horse is sometimes of considerable length. The 

 leg is now thrown gently over the saddle, and as it reach- 

 es the hand the latter is withdrawn, after which the body 

 sinks into the saddle in an easy and graceful manner. 

 The right foot is then placed in the stirrup, with or with- 

 out the aid of the right hand holding it. Dismounting is 

 effected by first bringing the horse to a stand-still ; then 

 shorten, the left hand on the reins, till it lies on the with- 

 ers, with a steady feel of the mouth, twist a lock of the 

 mane on the finger, and hold it with the reins; bearing 

 also Oil the pommel with the heel of the hand. Next, 

 throw the right foot out of the stirrup, and lift the body, 

 steadied by the left hand and borne by the left foot, un- 

 til it is raised out of the saddle ; throw gently the right 

 leg over the cantle, and, as it passes it, grasp this part 

 with the right hand ; then lower the body gently to the 

 ground by the aid of the two hands and left foot; or if it 

 is a very short person and a tall horse, by raising the body 

 out of the stirrup on the hands, and dropping to the 

 ground by their aid alone. Mounting without stirrups, 



