THE PRIMER. I 5 



be invented against any suggested method ; but I 

 prefer the following manner of mounting to that 

 which is usually employed. 



Let the rider stand opposite the girth, facing the 

 near side of the horse : holding the reins in his right 

 hand, he should with that hand take a grasp of the 

 saddle on the pommel ; then let him insert the left 

 foot in the stirrup and take a lock of the mane in 

 the left hand : aided by the grasps upon the saddle 

 and the mane, he should rise from the right foot and 

 take his weight upon the left leg straightened in the 

 stirrup ; then carry the right leg over the back of 

 the horse, and sink into the seat. After he has 

 gained his seat, he should transfer the reins to the 

 left hand, and place his right foot in the stirrup. 

 To dismount, the rider will take the right foot out 

 of its stirrup, transfer the reins to the right hand, 

 seize the mane and pommel as in mounting, take a 

 bearing upon the left stirrup, carry the right leg 

 over the back of the horse, and, supported by his 

 hands, gradually let himself down until the right 

 foot is planted upon the ground, when the left foot 

 will be withdrawn from its stirrup. 



A young or restless horse can be readily mounted, 

 if the rider has the assistance of an attendant, in the 

 following manner. The rider stands opposite the 

 girths, facing the near side of the horse, his right 



