DISMOUNTING. 



183 



front of the animal and holding its head by the snaffle reins, 

 one in each hand, and three or four inches from the rings 

 on each side. The horse's mouth should be held somewhat 

 higher than its withers, both for appearance sake and for 



Fig. 179. Preparing to dismount. 



obtaining increased control. If there be no snaffle, the 

 groom should hold the cheek-pieces of the headstall of the 

 bit, and not the curb reins ; for if these reins are grasped 

 and the horse happens to throw his head about impatiently, 



