24 DISMOUNTING. 



If he is found to go quietly, after the men have led him 

 a few times round the circle, let the man on the off side 

 go gently away, and follow him at a little distance with a 

 whip, merely showing it to him, thus leaving him to the 

 man with the longeing rein and his rider ; after he has led 

 him round the circle a few times, let him also steal away 

 from him by lengthening the rein a yard or more, as he 

 may think prudent, keeping his eye upon him, for fear he 

 should plunge, yet leaving him as much as possible to his 

 rider's own management, who should encourage him to 

 walk well out, by pressing him with the calves of his legs, 

 at the same time engaging his attention by moving the bit 

 lightly in his mouth, and giving him all the encouragement 

 in his power. Should he jump, or plunge, the man with 

 the longeing rein must remain close to him, to keep his 

 head up. If he goes quietly for half an hour or so, he 

 should be led into the centre of the circle, caressed, and 

 dismissed. Half an hour will be quite sufficient for the 

 first lesson, which may be increased daily, as his strength 

 increases, and thus he will be prepared for his future 

 lessons. 



Dismounting. 



To dismount, the rider is to place both snaffle reins in his 

 left hand, with the little finger between them, (as in the 

 instruction for mounting) the right hand taking hold of the 

 reins above the left hand, secures them between the forefinger 

 and thumb of the right hand : the left hand slides down the 

 reins about a foot in front of the saddle, the right hand drops 

 the spare end of them, the left hand having a light feel- 

 ing on the horse's mouth ; the right hand then takes a lock of 

 the mane and twists it round the thumb of the left hand, 

 which is to be closed firmly on the mane and reins; the 

 right hand is next to be placed on the pommel of the saddle, 

 and the right foot withdrawn from the stirrup. The rider 



