ETIQUETTE IX THE SADDLE. 99 



smoothing down of the skirt it is a good plan to practise 

 frequently, first standing, then at a walk, then at a trot, 

 till you can do it deftly, almost without thought, for 

 there is no telling at what inopportune moment it may 

 become necessary. 



To mount from the ground without assistance is a 

 feat which few ladies would voluntarily undertake. It 

 may be accomplished in an emergency, however, if the 

 horse is quiet and not too tall, by lowering the stirrup 

 sufficiently to reach it with the left foot, and springing 

 up with the aid of the hands, the left of which should 

 grasp the mane and the right the cantle of the saddle. 



THE START. 



Do not put your horse in motion by a cut with the 

 whip, which would be trying to his nerves, nor by chirp- 

 ing or clucking, which would be equally trying to the 

 nerves of your companions, but by a touch with the 

 heel, or a pressure between your heel on the left side 

 and your crop on the right. If other ladies are to be 

 mounted, move on so far that they will be in no danger, 

 either real or imaginary, from your horse's heels, and 

 never at any time put him in such a position that he 

 can kick any one, or that you can get kicked yourself 

 by any other horse. If you have to turn about on start- 

 ing, try to do so by making your horse step around with 

 his hind-legs (in the technical phrase, pirouette renver- 

 see), so as to avoid turning your back and presenting his 



