The Gentleman's Seat. 73 



neither too low down in the mouth nor too tight : 

 and the top band should not press against his ears. 

 Between the curb-chain and his chin there should 

 be room for the easy insertion of one or two 

 fingers. The curb-bit should just clear the tushes 

 in a horse's mouth, and in a mare's it should be 

 about one inch above the corner teeth. The 

 learner ought, in fact, to consider it a part of his 

 business to make himself thoroughly acquainted 

 with the equipments of his horse; and he ought 

 never to mount without first satisfying himself on 

 this point. The stirrup irons should be large 

 enough to admit of the feet being pushed through 

 to the ankle, with ease; and of good solid pro- 

 portions. 



To mount easily and gracefully is one of the 

 minor points of horsemanship; but it is well to 



