106 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



depend upon the horse-block. If, for instance, 

 he should raise his hands too high, or with too 

 much energy, when she makes her spring, he 

 may push her too far over, or even if she 

 should loosen her grasp of the second pommel, 

 cause her to fall from the off-side of the 

 horse. This is a dangerous accident, and al- 

 most certain to occasion severe injuries. On 

 the other hand, if he does not use energy 

 enough, or neglects to carry his hands toward 

 the body of the horse as the lady rises, she may 

 not reach the saddle at all, and will be apt to 

 fall to the ground on the left side of the horse, 

 especially if she relinquishes her hold on the 

 second pommel. The gentleman must also be 

 careful not to let his foot rest on the lady's skirt, 

 as this will pull her back, and perhaps tear the 

 dress, as she makes her spring. 



In assisting a lady to mount, the gentleman 

 should first arrange the snaffle-reins evenly and 

 of the proper length, and place them in her 

 right hand, leaving the curb-reins to lie loosely 

 on the neck of the horse. Then, after putting 

 the stirrup out of the way, as described above, 

 he should take a position facing her, with his 

 left shoulder toward the left shoulder of the 

 horse. Clasping his hands together with the 

 palms turned up, he should stoop sufficiently to 



