DISMOUNTING. 5t 



Dismounting. 



When the novice dismounts there should, at first, be two 

 persons to aid — one to hold the horse's head, the other to 

 lift her from the saddle. After a very few lessons, if the 

 lady be active and her hack a steady one, the services of 

 the former may be dispensed with. Of course the horse is 

 brought to full stop. Transfer the whip to the left hand, 

 throw the right leg over to the near side of the crutch and 

 disengage the foot from the stirrup. Let the reins fall on 

 the neck, see that the habit skirt is quite clear of the leap- 

 ing-head, turn in the saddle, place the left hand upon the 

 right arm of the cavaHer or squire, the right on the leaping- 

 head, and half spring half glide to the ground, lighting on 

 the balls of the feet, dropping a slight curtsey to break the 

 jar on the frame. Retain hold of the leaping-head till safely 

 landed. 



Very few men understand the proper manner in which 

 to exercise the duties of the cavalier servant in mounting 

 and dismounting ladies. Many ladies not unreasonably 

 object to be Ufted off their horses almost into grooms' arms. 

 A correspondent of the Sporting a?id Dramatic N'ezus 

 mentions a contretemps to a somewhat portly lady in the 

 Crimea, whose husband, in hoisting her up on to her saddle 

 with more vigour than skill, sent his better half right over 

 the horse's back sprawling on the ground. It is by no means 

 an uncommon thing to see ladies, owing to want of lift on 

 the part of the lifter and general clu^msiness, failing to 

 reach the saddle and slipping down again. 



Having dismounted, " make much " of your horse, and 

 give him a bit of carrot, sugar, apple, or some tid-bit. 

 Horses are particularly fond of apples. 



