MOUNTING. 55 



it may retain its vigour unimpaired to meet every 

 pressing emergency. If its strength begin to flag, 

 tie a knot upon one or both reins to assist the hold. 

 There should be no loose reins in the field, lest branches 

 or gate-posts cause mischief; therefore have all the 

 reins of equal, or nearly equal, tension. 



In the field the horseman may adopt either method of 

 mounting to suit his taste and convenience. 



The most simple and perfect manner is that of vault- 

 ing at once into the saddle, because it may be accom- 

 plished without hinderance to the forward movement of 

 the horse. If the rider prefer standing near the head of 

 the horse, so that he may reach the stirrup with the 

 greater ease, he must remember that he will have to 

 make one or two bounds with the right foot before he 

 will be able to raise himself in the saddle. The same 

 objection will hold good if he stand close to the hind- 

 quarters of the horse, with the additional drawback of a 

 chance kick through exuberance of spirits, or the exhi- 

 bition of vice. Some riders in mounting prefer taking 

 hold of the saddle with both hands, but the great objec- 

 tion to it is that the entire weight of the body is sustained 

 by the girths alone, and if the saddle yield, the hands 

 and body of the horseman must go with it ; whereas if 



