60 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



Mounting lesson. — The instructor determines accord- 

 ing to circumstances the most opportune moment for giv- 

 ing the mounting lesson, but he profits always by the end 

 of the work, because the fatigue which follows it brings 

 calmness. 



This lesson may also be given during the work on the 

 longe, but always when the horse has been extended by 

 exercise. He personally directs the first lesson, which is 

 given to each horse individually; the greatest gentleness 

 and patience are here necessary. 



Accompanied by an assistant, carrying a basket of 

 oats if need be, he places himself squarely in front of the 

 horse and pats him; he takes hold of him only in case of 

 necessity; the rider approaches the horse's head, pats him 

 on the forhead, over the eyes, on the neck and haunches. 

 He strikes the saddle, lowers and raises the stirrups, then 

 takes the reins, leaving them very long. He mounts 

 without hurry, but also without hesitation. If, during the 

 lesson, the horse moves out of place or backs away, he 

 comes back to the head, draws the horse forward with the 

 snaffle reins and quietly begins again. 



The rider in putting his foot in the stirrup is careful to 

 point his toe down and not to touch the horses's side; this 

 might disturb him. He should not stop after raising him- 

 self in the stirrup ; he would break the equilibrium and run 

 counter to the end sought. He should use his right hand 

 to assist in taking the right stirrup; in seeking for it with 

 the toe he may frighten the horse. 



In general, he should avoid putting the horse in march 

 as soon as he is in the saddle, so that the idea of the for- 

 ward movement will not be associated in the horse's brain 

 with the reception of the rider's weight. 



It is best the first few times to terminate the day's 

 work by the mounting lesson, so as to be able to send the 

 horse to the stable as recompense. 



If some horses are found very difficult, the instructor 

 immediately puts them back on the cavesson. 



The mounting lesson should be given on both the right 

 and left sides. This instruction of the colt should be 

 pushed very far. Absolute docility must be obtained even 

 in the midst of noise and movement — in a word, under all 

 circumstances where, in war, it would be valuable to have 



