Controlling Movements with the Legs 157 



the horse is difficult to mount, more strenuous 

 methods must be adopted (p. 274). 



To mount the trained horse, grasp the reins in the 

 left hand and catch hold of the mane just in front of 

 the withers. With the right hand, first aid the left 

 foot into the stirrup, then catch hold of the pommel. 

 Now by a springing leap pull yourself up and stand in 

 the left stirrup, then place the right leg over the 

 saddle and into the right stirrup. Assume a com- 

 fortable position, with the arms hanging naturally, 

 the left one, which supports the reins, being held 

 about even with the top of the pommel (for method 

 of holding the reins see page 131). 



The horse should now be educated to the uses of 

 the spurs and the rider's legs in guiding and control- 

 ling. Closing the knees without pressure by the lower 

 parts of the legs tends to steady the horse while in 

 action. Placing the lower part of the legs slightly to 

 the rear, and closing them equally, thus causing slight 

 pressure on either side, prepares the horse to move, 

 or if already in action, has a tendency to encourage 

 him to keep up to the bit. Closing the lower legs 

 with considerable pressure behind the girth stimu- 

 lates the horse to move forward. Placing the right 

 leg to the rear and closing with considerable pressure 

 stimulates the horse to move his hind quarters to 

 the left, while a corresponding action with the left 

 leg stimulates the horse to move his hind quarters 

 to the right. Each of these movements should be 



