THE HORSEMAN. 33 



SECTION VI. To mount the Horse with the aid of the 

 stirrups. 



Place yourself opposite to and face the horse's left or 

 near shoulder, draw up the snaffle reins gently with the 

 right hand (in order to equalize them, and that the horse 

 may feel the bit according to his sensibility) ; take a lock 

 of the mane, with the. reins in your left hand, a few 

 inches in advance of the pommel ; step back with the 

 right foot, seize the stirrup with the right hand to steady 

 it while placing the left foot a third of the way in.* 

 After having the foot securely in the stirrup, hold, with 

 the right hand, the off cantle of the saddle, and close to 

 the horse's shoulder ; spring from the right foot, and rise 

 erect in the stirrup, bring the heels together for an in- 

 stant, then pass the right leg, well extended, over the 

 croup, at the same time shifting the right hand to the 

 pommel or off holster, and seat yourself gently .f 



* Previous to placing the foot in the stirrup, take a glance 

 at the equipments and satisfy yourself that they are properly 

 adjusted. This precaution frequently saves trouble and pre- 

 vents accidents. 



Through the carelessness or ignorance of grooms, the bits are 

 sometimes fixed too high or too low ; the curb and throat strap 

 too tight or too loose, or the girths insecure. 



f Short persons, when preparing to mount, should place 

 themselves near the horse's left flank, hold the end of the reins 

 on the cantle with the right hand, take the stirrup with the left 

 hand, place the foot in it, close to the horse's shoulder, and seize 

 a lock of the mane with the reins. 



If the rider uses a whip, it should be held in the left hand 



