170 



MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING. 



ing. By standing at the left front of the shoulder, the man 

 will be in the best position to get into the saddle, if, when he 

 puts his left foot in the stirrup, the horse moves forward. He 

 will also be out of the way of danger, in case the animal hits 

 out with his near fore, or cow-kicks with his near hind. By 

 placing the left hand well up on the crest, the rider ensures for 

 himself a short hold of the reins, in the event of the horse 



Fig. 170. Measuring length of stirrup leathers. 



wanting to start off the moment he feels weight on his back. 

 Besides, by having his hands well separated, the rider is able 

 to balance himself better when mounting, in the event of the 

 horse moving, than he could do if his left hand was on or 

 close to the pommel. If he is below middle height, he may 

 have to stand close to the horse's flank, so as to reach the 

 stirrup with his left foot. In this position, however, he will 

 run the risk of beino; cow-kicked if the horse be vicious. If 



