DISMOUNTING. 



The first operation, preparatory to dismounting, 

 is to bring the horse to an easy, yet perfect, stop. 

 If the lady be light and dexterous, she may dismount 

 without assistance, from a middle-sized horse : but, it 

 is better not to do so if the animal be high. 



The right hand of the lady, when preparing to 

 dismount, is to receive the reins, and be carried to the 

 off crutch of the saddle. The reins should be held 

 suflficiently tight to restrain the horse from advancing ; 

 and yet not so firm as to cause him to back or rear; 

 nor uneven, lest it make him swerve. 



The lady should next disengage her right leg, 

 clearing the dress as she raises her knee ; remove her 

 right hand to the near crutch ; and then take her foot 

 from the stirrup. 



Thus far the process is the same whether the lady 

 dismount with or without assistance. 



If the lady be assisted, the gentleman, or groom, 

 may either lift her completely off the saddle to the 

 ground ; or, taking her left hand in his left hand, 

 place his right hand on her waist, and, as she springs 

 off, support her in her descent. She may also alight, 

 if she be tolerably active, by placing her right hand 



