MOUNTING. 21 



do, as the moment the rider raises himself in the stirrup 

 he brings the saddle down with considerable pressure upon 

 the colt's back, which is nearly certain to make him shift 

 about, and should this opposition be determined, it will be 

 necessary to withdraw the foot, as the longer it remains in 

 the stirrup, the more uneasy he will become. The rider 

 cannot be too careful nor too patient in mounting the 

 young horse. 



Before attempting to mount completely, he will do well 

 to place his left foot in the stirrup and raise himself a little, 

 by springing from the right foot, which will accustom the 

 colt to bear the additional pressure of the saddle ; and by 

 encouragement and kindness, he will soon allow himself to 

 be mounted quietly. 



The reason so much precaution is necessary in mount- 

 ing is, that if the rider should be thrown in his attempt, 

 it not only frightens the horse, but may induce him to 

 resort to the same opposition again. To stand still until he 

 is mounted, is one of the most useful lessons that he can 

 receive, and must therefore be thoroughly taught him. 



The man that is to mount should place himself opposite 

 the horse's shoulder with his face towards it, taking up the 

 reins with the right hand and placing the left hand below 

 it, with the little finger of the left hand between the reins, 

 drawing them through the left with the right hand, till he 

 feels the horse's mouth very lightly, when the right hand 

 should drop the spare end of the reins : he is next to take 

 a lock of the horse's mane with the right hand, and twist 

 it round the thumb of the left, the hand being closed firmly 

 on the mane and reins, he then takes the top of the stirrup 

 between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, and 

 places his left foot in it, then the right hand quits the stir- 

 rup and is removed to the cantle or hind part of the 

 saddle ; with a spring from the right foot, the rider raises 

 himself in the stirrup, until he is upright, when a pause of 

 a second should be made, taking care not to touch the side 

 of the horse with his toe, which will be prevented by placing 



