96 The Art of Biding. 



the hind part of the saddle, a little toward the off 

 side, the body should then be braced for an elastic 

 spring, moving the right hand as the right leg is 

 thrown over the back into the saddle. 



There must be no pulling or hugging at the 

 saddle^ and scarcely any display of force beyond 

 the firm downward pressure of the right hand. 

 Perfect command should be felt over the body at 

 every stage in mounting, the motion completing 

 the seat should be calm and deliberate, so that if 

 necessary the rider should he able to pause mid- 

 way at any stage and balance himself. To see a 

 rider tug away at his saddle, and lump himself 

 into it with head bending low on his horse's neck 

 is very ungainly, to say the least, and gives be- 

 holders the impression that he is unaccustomed 

 to riding. The toes of the left foot when mounting 



