52 TO MOUNT, RIDE, AND GAIT A HORSE. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



TO MOUNT, RIDE, AND GAIT A HORSE. 



IST. Standing on the horse's left, facing the saddle, 

 with left hand holding snaffle rein, curb reins loose on 

 his neck, right snaffle rein a little the shortest, to prevent 

 his turning from you, a tuft of his mane as a little assister, 

 or hand laid on wither or pommel of saddle, as you 

 please ; standing close to the horse, left foot in stirrup, 

 leg pressing saddle, you spring from the right leg up, 

 until that foot is on a line or level with the stirrup-foot ; 

 meanwhile, right hand on the centre of saddle on the 

 right side, or a little farther back, if necessary, on the 

 cantel, if you choose. Without dwelling in this position, 

 leaning forward, throw right leg over, self into seat, and 

 right foot in stirrup, settle yourself erectly, take up first 

 curb and then snaffle, and arrange both reins as directed 

 elsewhere. A bad seat necessarily has a bad effect on 

 your horse's mouth. (See illustration on page 53.) 



Now, being mounted, horse's head and neck in posi- 

 tion, keep them so by the use of rein and legs ; close your 

 legs and raise your hand, and he will advance at a sharp 

 walk ; keep him at that for ten or fifteen minutes, and if he 

 keeps himself nicely balanced you can begin to zigzag 

 him, still in a walk ; keep that up for only a few days. 

 Then begin the trot: slow trot, always; keeping him in 

 proper balance between the rein and leg, and whenever 

 he goes a little fast, and you find he is getting out, stop, 

 or slow him to a walk, and start him afresh, slowly. A 

 few days will perfect that, and now, if perfectly light 

 in hand, he is ready to begin the gallop. 



