MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 269 



off, SO that tliey cannot prick the horse too severely ; in 

 ordinary riding they are used only as reminders. 



The use of the spurs, as directed in the chapter on 

 Baucher's method of training, adds greatly to nearly every 

 effect of the motions of the legs, and by their skilful appli- 

 cation, it is possible to make the well-trained horse seem 

 a portion of ourselves. 



The Dress. — The riding dress for gentlemen, in this 

 country, where there are no riding or hunting clubs, and 

 where there is no special fashion for riding costume, may 

 be anything that is appropriate to the season, convenient, 

 and not easily injured by the frequently recurring mishaps 

 incident to riding. Tight breeches, with the boots worn 

 outside, are most convenient, and least subject to accident; 

 but pantaloons, with straps, are more elegant, and suffi- 

 ciently convenient. 



MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



Mounting. — 1. Walk up to the horse in a quiet, confident 

 way, pat his face and neck, and speak tr) him gently ; then, 

 standing opposite his left shoulder, fix the reins in the left 

 hand, and with the right hand separate a portion of the mane 

 and wind it around the thumb of the left hand. Then fac- 

 ing the horse's rump, hold the stirrup in the right hand 

 and put the left foot firmly into it ; now hop around so as 

 to face the saddle, and lay the hand on the right side of the 

 cantle ; raise yourself in the stirrup, and throw the light 

 leg well over the horse's back, without bending the knee. 

 As soon as you touch the saddle, loose the hold of the mane, 

 but be careful that, in finding the right stirrup, your efforts 

 produce no reaction on the bit, which should be held only 

 tight enough to cause the horse to stand quietly. Or, 



2d. Approach the horse as before, step back so as to 



