8 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



movement of the animal aids him in rising, and 

 the more rapidly it goes the less of a spring will 

 be required. 



To dismount without stirrups, the rider will take 

 the holds upon the mane and the pommel, as in 

 mounting; then, leaning forward, he will take his 

 weight upon his arms, throw the right leg over the 

 back of the horse, and gently let himself down to 

 the ground, releasing the holds upon mane and 

 pommel when he is assured of his footing. To 

 dismount from the moving horse, he will reach the 

 ground prepared to take a few steps in the direction 

 the horse is going, just as he would leave a tram- 

 car in motion. In dismounting without stirrups, it 

 is necessary to keep the reins in the right hand, so 

 that there may be no danger of being thrown under 

 the feet of the horse in the eftort to stop him, as 

 might happen should the reins be held in the left 

 hand. 



The rider should practise mounting and dis- 

 mounting upon the right or off side of the horse, as 

 well as upon the usual side. Some men who have 

 been accustomed to ride for years would find it 

 difficult to mount upon the off side should occasion 

 require it. 



