MOUNTING. 575 



sore back or a sit-fast is perhaps a very long job, and may 

 throw a horse out of work for months, whether the trouble 

 be on the withers or loin. 



The stirrups must not be wide enough to let your instep 

 through or so narrow as to jam the foot. In either case 

 a fall may mean being dragged and killed. 



As to girth, the best, except in very hot weather when 

 split-leather is useful, is the Fitzwilliam. It sits best and is 

 kept more conveniently and more readily adjusted than 

 separate girths. Very tight girthing is objectionable, and 

 when you have learned to ride by grip and balance combined 

 it is wonderful how safely you can ride in a saddle quite 

 loosely put on. But either extreme is wrong. 



MOUNTING. 



Accustom your horse to stand still when you mount, and 

 not to move till you allow him. This is very useful when 

 you dismount for any reason out of doors. Pat and make 

 much of him when he pleases you or obeys a lesson. There 

 is no animal so susceptible of flattery and approbation. You 

 can make him your friend by little presents of apple, carrot, 

 biscuit, or sugar, when you visit his box. It all helps. 



If your horse's back, withers, and ribs be not so shaped as 

 to carry a saddle naturally, get on from a mount, a stone, a 

 chair, or the like. This is better than pulling your saddle 

 over and out of place. If you have a groom holding your 

 horse, it is better for him to stand in front of the horse than 

 be pulling down your off stirrup as a set-off to your weight 

 mounting on the near side. Get up with your back slightly 

 turned to the horse's head, and be careful not to stick your 

 toe into his ribs. 



