I 82 



MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



the reins through the left hand, so as to obtain a light and 

 equal feeling of both reins on the horse's mouth. 3. With the 

 right hand throw the slack of the reins to the off side, twist a 

 lock of the mane round the left thumb, and take hold of the 

 left stirrup. 4. Place the left foot in the stirrup, the left knee 

 against the flap of the saddle, and the right hand on the 

 cantle. Draw the left heel back, so as to avoid touching the 

 horse's side with the toe (Fig. 175). 



Fig. 176. Riding lad preparing to mount. 



Mounting. I. By a spring of the right foot, raise the body 

 erect in the stirrup. Bring both heels together and draw them 

 a little back. Keep the knees firm against the saddle, and the 

 body partially supported by the right hand. 2. Swing the 

 right leg over the cantle, which the right hand quits just in 

 time to get out of the way of the right leg, and goes to the 

 pommel so as to support the body, which falls gently into the 

 saddle. 3. The left hand quits the mane, and the right the 

 pommel. The reins are taken up at a proper length and 

 the right foot is placed in the off stirrup. 



