THE MOUNT, REINS, ETC. 



45 



figure 15, put the left toe into it, give two hops, which 

 slews them round until they face the horse and catch the 

 cantle, or back part of the saddle with the right hand, 

 then rise and get their seat. The first position of this 

 manner of mounting exposes the rear of the rider to a 

 bite from the horse, which, the hand being engaged in ■ 

 the mane, he is powerless to prevent. A beginner 



Fig. 15.— OLD MILITAKT MOUNT. 



usually takes hold of both ends of the saddle, finally 

 manages to get his toe into the dangling stirrup, and 

 then struggles with more or less difficulty into the 

 saddle, where, for a moment, he has no control of the 

 horse, who, if he is at all spirited, commences the exer- 

 cises by a very confusing start. 



The correct manner of mounting with the aid of the 

 stirrup is, in our opinion, the following : 1, Stand op- 

 posite the cantle of the saddle, face to the front, with 

 the right hand, holding the rein short enough to feel the 

 horse's mouth, far over the right side of the cantle ; 2, 



