270 HOW TO RIDE A HOESE. 



fiice the saddle, take the curb-rein lightly in the right hand 

 and lay that hand on the right side of the cantle of the 

 saddle ; with the help of the left hand place the foot in 

 tlje stirrup, and then, taking a portion of the mane in the 

 left hand, place yourself in the saddle, as before directed, 

 raising the right hand to clear the right leg, and letting go 

 of the mane and taking hold of the curb-rein with the left 

 hand as the right rises from its position on the cantle to al- 

 low the leg to pass over. This method of mounting is less 

 formal and more graceful than that first described, but it 

 requires a certain degree of skill and good horsemanship to 

 enable one to perform it, without taking too strong a hold 

 of the horse's mouth. 



These are methods of the schools, and it is conven- 

 ient to be able to employ them at pleasure ; but the follow- 

 ing directions by Baucher will enable one to mount more 

 easily and more quickly : 



Approach the horse's shoulder, take the reins in the left 

 hand, and then take in the same hand a portion of the • 

 mane firmly, but in such a manner as not to tear the hair 

 from its roots. Place the right hand on the pommel of 

 the saddle, passing the four fingers inside the pommel and 

 laying the thumb on the outside ; spring lightly and raise 

 yourself upon your wrists. As soon as your middle has 

 reached the height of your hands, throw the right leg- 

 over the croup, without touching it, and place yourself 

 lightly in the saddle. 



These directions all apply to mounting from the left side 

 of the horse ; for mounting from the right or off side, they 

 should, of course, be reversed. 



There is no right or wrong side of the horse from which 

 to mount, and the rider should be able to mount from 

 either side, indifferently. 



Dismounting. — In leaving the saddle, it is customary, as 



