In this position, he will be enabled to hold the horse, or, at least, render his pranks harmless.

SECTION IV.To vault on the Horse.

Place yourself close to the horse's left or near shoulder, seize with the snaffle or bridoon reins, a lock of the mane with the left hand near the withers, the right hand on the withers or pommel of the saddle; then slightly bend the knees and spring up so as to bring the body straight and the arms extended; and now pass the right leg, well extended, over the horse's croup without touching it, and seat yourself lightly.

The effort of the arms and legs should not be made at the same instant. The strength of the arms should be applied immediately after the height has been attained by that of the legs; for, if both were applied together, you would push yourself from the horse. Endeavor to keep the body erect, so as not to throw the breast across the horse and scramble up.

Place the right hand on the pommel or withers, and take, with the left hand, a lock of the mane with the reins; incline the body forward, and, at the same time, raise it upon the right arm; now pass the right leg carefully over the croup, bring the heels together for an instant, and then descend to the ground.

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 instant, 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.†

* 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 prevents 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.

† 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

The body should be erect without stiffness; the small of the back somewhat drawn in; the chest protruded, and the shoulders square to the front; the buttocks bearing equally and well forward, the inner parts of the thighs embracing the saddle, and the legs hanging naturally. The loins should be well supported, and the weight of the body should rest as much as possible in the centre of the saddle, and the elbows should be steady and free from constraint.

SECTION VIII.-Position of the bridle-hand.

(See Plate XI.)

The elbow should hang naturally, and without pressure to the body; and the hand should be on a horizontal line with the elbow, or about four inches above the pommel. The palm of the hand should be turned sufficiently to the right to keep the elbow close and in proper position; the thumb pointing to the horse's off ear.

This is the strongest position in which the hand and arm can be placed; and, from this position, the rider is enabled to execute all the movements of the bridle-hand without abruptness.

while mounting or dismounting. The rider, holding the whip in the right hand while mounting or dismounting, frequently, and unconsciously, touches the horse's flank with it, or alarms him by switching it in the air.