50 Mounting 



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Whatever the disposition of a horse may be, 

 he should be approached apparently in good tem- 

 per. Horses know by appearance whether the 

 rider is angry or pleased, bold or timid, handy or 

 awkward. A soothing tone of voice and caresses 

 are pleasing ; and to such as are unsteady, or have 

 a dislike to be mounted, it helps to dispel their 

 fears. Young horses especially should therefore 

 be thus gently treated, and much encouraged. 



Before mounting, it is proper to observe whether 

 the saddle is rightly placed, the girths secure and 

 not too tight (for many horses are apt to plunge 

 when they are,) the bridle fitly on, and the curb, 

 when used, smoothly placed. 



On approaching a horse, the skirt of the habit 

 should be gracefully gathered up, and the whip be 

 carried in the right hand. 



It is the groom's duty, when the rider ap- 

 proaches to gather up the reins with his left hand, 

 smoothly and evenly the curb rein between, and 



