214 CONFESSIONS OP A HORSE DEALER. 



face to the left, and his feet close together. Being 

 quite clear from the stirrups, he may now spring in an 

 oblique direction to the left front of the horse, thus, as 

 it were, going with him, until he drops on his legs un- 

 injured, except a little shaking. But, where the inex- 

 perienced rider is afraid to lose his balance, or to bring 

 over his right leg, in the manner described, to the left 

 side (although there is no danger, if he will grasp the 

 cantle of the saddle, as a purchase), he may dismount 

 by the ordinary method, with greater precaution. 

 First, by withdrawing loth his feet from the stirrups be- 

 fore he attempts to bring the right leg over the cantle 

 of the saddle, he will retain the reins in his left hand, 

 which he will firmly place on the pommel of the saddle 

 for a support ; and pressing the inside of the left leg 

 firmly to the skirt of the saddle, he will now bring the 

 right leg over the cantle, and at the same moment 

 place his right hand firmly on the cantle of the saddle. 

 His feet will now be together, and his knees pressing 

 to the horse's side. He will now take care that his 

 left hand is quite clear from the reins, and making a 

 purchase of both hands, watch for a favourable oppor- 

 tunity, spring with his feet close together to the left 

 front of the horse, and it is more than probable he will 

 drop on his legs in safety. 



But let me impress upon his mind that great care 

 should be exercised in the practice of this theory. 

 Every movement should be made distinctly and inde- 

 pendent of another, as any mistake (especially in not 



