MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 563 



tendency to " jigjog." The trot and canter thoroughly " col- 

 lected " with hind legs carried well under the body. 



Above all things a woman's horse must possess manners; 

 they are absolutely essential for the rider's pleasure, appear- 

 ance, and safety, and a horse can have the best of manners 

 with plenty of spirit and yet be perfectly tractable. 



MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



In mounting from the ground first gather the reins in 

 the right hand and then grasp the upper pommel, place the 

 left hand on the lower pommel, or leaping horn, and face 

 slightly towards your horse's shoulder; put the ball of the 

 left foot in the groom's right hand, and at an agreed signal 

 straighten the left knee and spring simultaneously from his 

 hand as he gives a sudden upward impetus ; you will find 

 yourself sitting sideways on the saddle. Put the 'right knee 

 over the pommel, the left foot in the stirrup, get your habit 

 into place, have the straps adjusted, and transfer the reins 

 to the left hand. Mounting from the ground is quite a 

 knack and requires some practice, not only on your part 

 but on the part of the groom. 



In mounting unaided from the ground lower the stirrup 

 to the last hole, place the left foot in the iron, the hands 

 on the pommels, and spring into the saddle. Once mounted 

 adjust the stirrup to its proper length. 



In dismounting put the reins in the right hand and with 

 the left free yourself of your habit straps. Take the left foot 

 from the stirrup, lift the right knee from the pommel, being 

 sure you free the skirt at the same time, put both hands on 

 the pommels and spring lightly to the ground. If there is a 

 groom ready to assist you in dismounting, he should hold 



