20 GRACEFUL RIDING. 



they are. The large ring of the breastplate or 

 MARTINGALE should be placed about two inches 

 above the sharp breast-bone, and should allow of 

 the hand being laid flat between it and the shoulders. 



THE STIRRUPS. 



In length they should be so that the bottom edge 

 of the bar is about three inches above the heel of 

 the boot. The author always adopts the following 

 method for ascertaining the correct length of the 

 stirrups, viz. : — He takes up the stirrup-iron with the 

 right hand, at the same time placing the bottom of 

 the stirrup-iron under the left arm-pit, he extends 

 the left arm until the fingers of that hand easily 

 touch the stirrup hucJdes ; this is a sure criterion 

 with most people. 



ON MOUNTING. 



In mounting, the horse should always be ap- 

 proached quietly on the near (or left) side, and tlie 

 reins taken up steadily. The snaffle (or bridoun) 

 rein first, then pass this rein along the palm of the 

 left hand, between the forefinger and thumb. The 

 CURB REIN must now be drawn over tlie little finger, 

 and both reins being held of an equal length, and 



