THE WOMAN RIDER 



say that this knowledge is an essential part of good 

 breeding. 



Some masters advocate giving the right foot 

 rather than the left, as more secure. I have tried 

 out both ways, and find that it makes little differ- 

 ence. The main points are practice, and the skill 

 and strength of the assistant, who must lift the 

 rider without jolt, and with no thrust toward the 

 rear, since this might tear her hand from the sad- 

 dle fork, or even send her over backwards. The 

 assistant does not toss the rider, but lifts her 

 steadily, in exact time with the straightening of her 

 knee, as if his hands were a step. 



A horsewoman can, however, mount by herself, 

 by lengthening her stirrup, and then, when seated, 

 adjusting it again. She can also mount by aid 

 of a stone, tree, fence, or other elevation. For all 

 these, however, she must be assured of the temper 

 and docility of her horse. I recommend all young 

 riders to learn to mount alone. It is good practice, 

 and often very useful both in hunting-field and on 

 promenade, 



TO DISMOUNT 



To dismount, the rider stops her horse, takes all 

 four reins in the right hand, removes her foot from 

 the stirrup, raises her right knee from the saddle, 

 and passes her right leg over to the left side, 

 pivoting on the seat. Her right hand, still holding 

 the reins, now rests on the second pommel. The 



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