DISMOUNTING. 93 



alight without difficulty. In dismounting thus, without 

 assistance, she must turn as she quits the saddle, so as 

 to descend with her face towards the horse's side. 



By whatever mode the lady dismounts, but espe- 

 cially if she do so without assistance, she should — to 

 prevent any unpleasant shock on reaching the ground — ■ 

 bend her knees, suffer her body to be perfectly pliant, 

 and alight on her toes, or the middle of her feet. She is 

 neither to relinquish her hold, nor is the gentleman, or 

 groom, if she make use of his ministry, to withdraw 

 his hand, until she is perfectly safe on the ground. 



In order to dismount with grace and facility, more 

 practice is required than that of merely descending 

 from the saddle after an exercise or a ride. It is 

 advisable to mount and dismount, for some days, 



