190 MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



loose box, and a groom should be in attendance in case his 

 services may be required. Of course the animal should not 

 be tied up in the box. 



DISMOUNTING WITH STIRRUPS IN MILITARY STYLE. 



The action of dismounting is here divided into " preparing 

 to dismount" and "dismounting." 



Preparing to dismount. I. The right hand takes hold of 

 the reins behind the left, and the right foot quits the stirrup. 

 2. The left hand slides forward on the reins, until it is about 

 twelve inches in front of the pommel. 3. The right hand 

 throws the slack of the reins to the off side, takes a lock 

 of the mane, brings it through the left and twists it round 

 the left thumb, and the fingers of the left hand close on it. 

 The right hand is then placed on the pommel or off holster, 

 and the body is kept erect. 



Dismounting. I. While supporting the body with the right 

 hand and left foot, the right leg is brought gently (without 

 touching the horse's hind quarters or the saddle) to the near 

 side, heels together. 2. The body is gently lowered until 

 the right toe touches the ground. 3. The left foot quits 

 the stirrup and is placed in a line with the horse's fore feet ; 

 the position of the hands remaining unaltered. 4. Both 

 hands quit their hold, and the man turns to the left on the 

 left heel and brings the body square to the front. During the 

 turn, the right hand lays hold of the rein near the ring of the 

 bit, and raises the horse's head as high as the man's shoulder. 



DISMOUNTING DURING MOVEMENT. 



Dismount by the first method, which is described on 

 pages 1 86 and 187, taking care, if the horse is going fast, 

 to support the weight for a moment on the hands and to 

 throw the feet forward. This can be done at a fair pace by 

 an active man or boy. 



