THE ART OP 



Of Mounting, 



Whatever the disposition of a horse may 

 be, he should be approached apparently in 

 good temper. Horses know by appearance 

 whether the rider is angry or pleased, bold 

 or timid, handy or awkward. A soothing 

 tone of voice and caresses are pleasing ; and 

 to such as are unsteady, or have a dislike to 

 be mounted, it helps to dispel their fears. 

 Young horses especially should therefore be 

 thus gently treated, and much encouraged. 



Before mounting, it is proper to observe 

 whether the saddle is rightly placed, the girths 

 secure and not too tight (for many horses are 

 apt to plunge when they are), the bridle 

 fitly on, and the curb, when used, smoothly 

 placed. 



Let the assistant adjust the reins of the bit 

 smoothly, and of equal length, taking it up 

 within the bridon rein, and dividing the reins 

 with the forefinger of his left hand. 



The lady receives the reins from him with 

 her right hand, just before the pommel of the 

 saddle, the whip being in it, which passes over 

 to the off" side. 



