42 THE ART OF 



but not too much, sufficiently long ; if the stir- 

 rup strapsare not too long, or too short, &;c. 



Having made this examination, you must 

 approach the left shoulder of the horse, say- 

 ing to him, ho, to warn him for fear of start- 

 ling him : you will hold the whip in the left 

 hand, its point down ; you will pass the reins 

 into this hand, after having adjusted them 

 with the right hand ; in this manner you 

 will take a handful of hair at eight or ten 

 inches above the wither. Taking then the 

 stirrup-strap with the right hand, you will 

 raise your leg without bending your body, to 

 place your foot into the stirrup, taking care 

 not to touch the belly of the horse, after 

 having taken a second point of rest, by laying 

 hold of the back bow of the saddle with the 

 right hand, as far forward as it is possible, 

 you will raise yourself to the height of the 

 saddle, without bending the body ; you will 

 extend the right leg, which you will pass 

 above the croup, after having let go the back 

 bow, advancing your hips and examining your 

 reins thoroughly, you will fall into the saddle 

 without jolting, and with the proper posture 

 of your body. These various movements 

 should be executed with grace, with ease, 



