1 86 MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



manner may, after a fall, save a man from being thrown out 

 during a run, or from losing a steeplechase. 



The best way to learn to mount in this manner, is on a 

 horse lunged by another man, or on an animal in a small 

 circular track, like that of a circus. At first it is well to 

 have a steady horse that has been taught to do a slow, well- 

 collected canter, which is the easiest pace for mounting in this 

 manner. A pair of side reins, shortened as may be necessary, 

 will help to collect the horse without entailing trouble on the 

 rider, who will generally have quite enough to do in looking 

 after himself. If the horse is not very quiet, it is better 

 to lunge him with the " long reins " than with a single 

 lunging rein and a caveson ; for far more control can be 

 obtained by the former than by the latter. 



DISMOUNTING WHEN HALTED. 



1. The readiest way is to take the reins in the left hand, 

 draw them through it, and grasp the mane about half way 

 up the neck, catch the pommel with the right hand, take 

 the feet out of the stirrups ; and spring lightly down, land- 

 ing about on a line with the point of the horse's shoulder. 

 If the active horseman wishes to remount while the animal 

 is moving on, he has only to take two or three steps forward 

 without shifting the position of his hands, to enable him to 

 spring back into the saddle. The following method is, how- 

 ever, the usual way. It is best for men who are not quick 

 on their legs, and is somewhat similar to the one laid down 

 for the cavalry soldier. 



2. Place the left hand with the reins in it on the mane 

 about half way up the neck, and put the right hand on the 

 front of the right flap of the saddle (Fig. 179). Take the 

 right foot out of the stirrup, swing the leg with a straight 

 knee over the cantle, place the right hand on the pommel, 

 or on the off side of the cantle, whichever comes the easier, 



