USUAL OR INSTINCTIVE EQUITATION 



pommel. The left hand, now free, he carries above 

 the left reins and grasps the mane. He then frees 

 his right foot from its stirrup, and raises his weight 

 on his left foot, steadying himself with his two 

 hands. The body being now upright and clear of 

 the saddle, the rider swings his right leg over the 

 croup and brings it near the left. Next, he bends 

 the left knee till the right foot reaches the ground, 

 and takes his left foot from the stirrup, holding all 

 the while to both saddle and mane. Last of all, he 

 lets go the mane with his left hand, and at the same 

 time drops the right reins, still keeping contact 

 with the left, advances two steps to the horse's 

 head, and grasps with the right hand near the bit, 

 either all four reins or else a pair belonging to either 

 the snaffle or the curb. 



Mounting and dismounting should be done 

 deliberately, but correctly and without hesitation. 



Vaulting is a gymnastic exercise which can be 

 performed, not only with a horse specially trained 

 and equipped for this purpose, but also with an 

 ordinary saddle horse carrying saddle and bridle. 

 When a specially trained animal is employed, it is 

 kept at a canter, in a circle to the left, while the 

 instructor, standing at the center of the ring, with 

 a long manege whip, keeps the gait regular and 

 cadenced. 



The best horse for this exercise is a strong, well- 

 rounded, and well-developed cob, of fifteen hands, 

 of good temper and limbs, which has been trained 



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