MODERN RIDING. 



35 



secure and not too tight (for many horses are 

 apt to plunge when they are), the bridle 

 fitly on, and the curb when used smoothly 

 placed. 



It is customary to mount a horse on the 

 near or left side. 



The rider presents himself rather before 

 the horse's shoulder, with his left breast to- 

 wards that shoulder, and with his whip or 

 switch in his left hand. 



He then takes the snaffle reins in the cen- 

 tre with the right hand, introduces the little 

 finger of the left hand between them from 

 before, the back of that hand being towards 

 the horse's head, and places the left hand 

 below the right on the neck of the horse, 

 about twelve inches from the saddle. 



The right hand draws the reins through 

 the left and shortens them, so that the left 

 has a light and equal feeling of both reins on 



d -2 



