46 Horse and Hound. 



the left side, speak to him, and pat him on the 

 neck or crest. Take position opposite the near 

 forefoot, facing quartering to the rear. Speak 

 to the horse again, grasp the reins in the left hand 

 with snaffle reins shortened, left hand on horse's 

 neck near the withers. If a tall horse, twist a lock 

 of mane between thumb and forefinger. Place 

 toe of foot in stirrup with right hand, only as far 

 as ball of foot, seize cantle of saddle on right 

 side with right hand, spring from right foot as- 

 sisted by right hand only, throw right leg clear 

 of cantle and ease down into seat by friction of 

 right leg on saddle flap. Retain grip on mane 

 until well into seat, being very careful not to ex- 

 ert any pressure on the reins during process of 

 mounting. If horse starts before well in the seat 

 do not jerk, but speak to him and take light ten- 

 sion on bit. If the horse and his habits are well 

 known to you, and you can safely rely on his 

 standing perfectly still and not moving or kick- 

 ing while mounting, you can take position oppo- 

 site vStirrup leathers and face quartering to head, 

 which is an easier way of mounting. The stirrup 

 leathers should not be too long, as a military seat 

 is not desirable, but just long enough to enable 

 the rider to clear the pommel when erect, and to 

 obtain balance forward and backward when ris- 

 ing and descending to a jump. This will place 

 the leg from knee down perpendicular to the 

 ground and parallel with the horse's front leg ; the 



