36 HOW TO BIDE. 



To be thoroughly comfortable and safe it is as necessary that the rider 

 should be measured for a Gladstone saddle as for a pair of trousers or 

 breeches. The seat must be large enough, the sloping under the thighs tit 

 in well, and the pads in front of the knees be arranged to a nicety. The 

 seat is soft and springy, causing no soreness even after a long ride. A 

 gentleman who had been riding a common saddle described the change to 

 one of our Gladstone's, as "all the difference between abject terror and 

 perfect confidence." 



MOUNTING. 



Horsemanship came with the horses from the East. The first horsemen 

 were soldiers, and the art is to this day affected by military traditions. We 

 are all taught to mount or dismount on the left or "near side" of the 

 horse, because the military horseman requires to mount with his sword or 

 spear in his right hand ready for defence or attack. This compels him to 

 face towards the rear of the horse. 



The correct way of mounting for civilians is shown by the drawings No. 

 1 and No. 2. To attain the position " prepare to mount," the pupil should 

 grasp the reins with the right hand, and rest it on the pommel of the 

 saddle ; then take hold of the stirrup with the left hand, raise the left foot, 

 and place it in the stirrup as far as the ball of the foot, carefully keeping 

 the toe away from the horse's side. 



To attain the second position "mount," spring from the right instep 

 (not to drag the body up by the hands), bringing both heels together, the 

 body upright and slightly leaning over the saddle, both knees firm against 

 the flap of the saddle. As you spring, grasp the mane with the left hand. 

 The right leg should now be passed clear over the horse's quarters to the 

 off side. The knee should be closed to the saddle first, and in passing the 

 right leg over the horse's croup, the toe should be down. The pupil should 



