8 HORSEMANSHIP. 



Twist a lock of the mane round the thumb or fore-finger, 

 and close the hand firmly upon the reins. Take the 

 stirrup in the right hand, and place the left toe in it as 

 far as the ball ; let the knee press against the flap of 

 the saddle, to prevent the point of the toe from irritating 

 the side of the horse ; seize the cantle of the saddle with 

 the right hand, and, springing up from the right toe, 

 throw the right leg clear over the horse, coming gently 

 into the saddle by staying the weight of the body with 

 the right hand resting on the right side of the pommel 

 of the saddle : put the light toe in the stirrup. The 

 proper length of the stirrup-leathers is" determined by 

 the sole of the stirrup-iron touching the lower edge 

 of the ankle-bone when the foot hangs loose. 



Place the bridle-hand in its proper position, which 

 is immediately in front of the body, and three or 

 four inches from it. The hand should be perpen- 

 dicular to the pommel, so that the knuckles may be 

 opposite to the horse's ears; it should be on a level 

 with the elbow, and slightly rounded outwards at the 

 wrist. As soon as the hand is in the right position, 

 the reins must be sufficiently tightened to have a 

 full bearing upon the horse's mouth. By the reins 

 being drawn through the hand, and having a half- 



