An Improved Method 169 



reined, thick, smooth snaffle. When the reins are in 

 use they should be held long, and one in each hand. 

 The saddle should fit closely to the horse ; if it does 

 not, the weight of the man's body is raised and he 

 is less steady when the horse is in motion, making 

 balance m.ore difficult; a closely-fitting saddle will 

 enable the rider to get down into his seat. 



Many and various are the directions given as to 

 mounting; some authorities would have us make 

 six separate movements of it. Mounting on the 

 near side has become customary because in the old 

 days riders carried heavy weapons in their right 

 hands, and could not conveniently have mounted on 

 the ofT side,^ but all beginners should learn to do so 

 on both. Let the pupil turn his back to the horse's 

 head, and if he is mounting from the left, place his 

 left foot in the stirrup, catch hold of the horse's 

 mane if he has one, and if not, the pommel, and 

 spring lightly into the saddle. Some authorities do 



^ In very early days, before stirrups were invented, there was a 

 hook on the man's spear on which he placed his foot and raised 

 himself when he wished to mount. At other times horses were 

 taught to kneel for their riders to get on, or short ladders were used, 

 and it is recorded that in some countries noblemen were accustomed 

 to mount by the aid of their attendants' backs. We also hear of 

 mounting-stones being placed by the roadside for the convenience 

 of travelers. 



