188 MODEJIN FAKRIER. 



mount, you are liable to be kicked : and when you 

 are mounted, your horse may go on some time, or 

 play what gambols he pleases before the rein is 

 short enough in your hand to prevent him. It is 

 common likewise for an awkward rider, as soon as 

 his foot is in the stirrup, to throw himself with all 

 his force to gain his seat ; which he cannot do, till 

 he has first overbalanced himself on one side or the 

 other : he will then wriggle into it by degrees. The 

 way to mount with ease and safety is, to stand ra- 

 ther before than behind the stirrup. In this posture 

 take the bridle short, and the m.ane together in your 

 left hand, helping yourself to the stirrup with your 

 right, so that your toe may not touch the horse in 

 mounting. While your left foot is in the stirrup, 

 move on your right, till you face the side of the 

 horse, looking across over the saddle. Then with 

 your right hand grasp the hinder part of the saddle ; 

 and with that and your left, which holds the mane 

 and bridle, lift yourself upright on your left foot. 

 Remain thus a mere instant on your stirruj), only 

 so as to divide the action into two motions. While 

 you are in this posture, you have a sure hold with 

 both hands, and are at liberty, either to get safely 

 down, or to throw your leg over and gain your seat. 

 By this deliberate motion, likewise, you avoid, what 

 every good horseman would endeavour to avoid, — 

 putting your horse into a flutter. 



Wiien you 'dismount, hold the bridle and mane 

 together in your left hand, as when you mounted; 

 put your right hand on the pommel of the saddle, 

 to raise yourself; throw your leg back over the 

 horse, grasp the hinder part of the saddle with your 

 right hand, remain a moment on your stirrup, and 

 in every respect dismount as you mounted ; only 

 what vv^as your first motion when you mounted, be- 

 comes the last in dismounting. Remember not to 

 bend vour right knee in dismounting, lest your spur 

 should rub against the horse,. 



