MOUNTING WITHOUT STIRRUPS. 183 



MOUNTING WITHOUT STIRRUPS. 



If a man be active and of a height proportionate to that of 

 the horse, he may mount in this manner by taking the reins 

 and mane, about half way up the neck, in the left hand, 

 placing the right hand on the pommel, and then vaulting 

 lightly into the saddle. Mounting without stirrups according 

 to Cavalry Training, by placing the left hand on the 



Fig. 177. Riding lad bearing his weight on horse's neck when mounting. 



pommel and the right on the cantle, and then supporting the 

 weight of the body on both hands, before throwing the right 

 leg over, may do well enough with a steady school horse, but 

 it is a dangerous and unworkmanlike proceeding with any 

 animal which is not a mere machine ; for if the horse moves 

 after the would-be rider has made his spring and before he is 

 safely in the saddle, he will run the risk of getting a fall, or of 

 having to let go the horse. But, with the left hand on the 

 mane and the right hand on the pommel, even if he fails to 

 mount, the horse cannot very well break away. 



