HOeSE GYMNASTICS. 53 



then the other, from the ankle joint, with an outward 

 and then an inward movement. The improvement in 

 this exercise may be measured by the facility with which 

 the pupil can gain his stirrups by the action of the feet 

 only. 



To Mount. — Standing at the shoulder of the horse, 

 facing the near side, seize a lock of the mane close to the 

 crest, the hairs passing down through the hand, the 

 thumb uppermost. 



"With the right hand grasp the pommel of the saddle, 

 the fingers under the tree, the thumb extended towards 

 the ground. 



Leave the ground with a spring and take the weight 

 of the body upon the arms until the fork is level with the 

 withers of the horse, resting a moment m this position. 



Carry the right leg over, and sink quietly into the 

 saddle. 

 . -Eelease the holds upon the mane and the pommel. 



To those who have never tried it, this movement ap- 

 pears to be difficult. It is, in fact, very easy, and should 

 be accomplished after a few trials by any one who is active 

 enough to undertake ridmg. It should be performed at 

 the walk, at the trot, and at the gallop. At the gallop 

 care must be taken not to carry the body over too much 

 in putting the right leg across the horse, nor need the 

 body be carried so high as when the horse is at rest, nor 

 is the momentary stop to be observed. 



To Dismount. — Seize the mane and pommel as m 

 mounting. Bear the weight upon the straightened arms 

 as the right leg is brought over to the left side. Hold 

 the body for a moment perpendicularly to the side of the 



