MOUNTING--SIDE-SADDLE
There are two ways of mounting with the side-saddle--from the ground and
from the block. The former method is preferable, as a block is seldom
available, and a woman should always be able to mount from the ground
with or without assistance. To mount from the ground without assistance,
stand at the horse’s near side, facing the saddle. Lengthen the leather
to the last hole, take up the reins in the left hand and then place it
on the upper pommel. Place the left foot in the stirrup, assisting with
the right hand if necessary, then grasp the cantle with the right hand
and spring from the right foot, pulling yourself up with both arms, and
throw the body into the saddle, letting go with the right hand just as
you reach the saddle. Then raise the right knee and place it over the
pommel, shorten the leather to its proper length, adjust the skirt, and
place the loops over the feet. While this is easy for a tall woman with
a pony, it is very difficult for a short woman with a large horse, so in
that case the best thing to do is to stand your horse downhill or in a
ditch, or to stand yourself on a stone or a fence--if one is available.
[Illustration: MOUNTING WITHOUT ASSISTANCE
Left foot in stirrup, right hand grasping cantle]
To mount with assistance, the leather being left at its proper length,
stand opposite the cantle, facing to the front, place your left foot in
the man’s right hand or in both his hands clasped, then at an agreed
signal spring from the right foot and have him throw you, but not too
high, into the saddle, then place the right knee over the pommel and the
left foot in the stirrup.
[Illustration: MOUNTING WITH ASSISTANCE
Groom holding the reins in his left hand and assisting with right hand
only]
If your horse is nervous or does not stand well, it is better for the
man who is assisting you to hold the horse’s reins in his left hand and
lift you with his right hand only, or you can take the reins in your
left hand and place it on the pommel and your right hand on the cantle,
and then let the man lift you with both hands.
[Illustration: MOUNTED]
In mounting from the block, the groom stands by the horse’s head and
holds him; you then sit on the saddle, place your right knee over the
pommel and your left foot in the stirrup. The groom should adjust the
straps, or you may adjust them yourself, and you should then take the
reins in the left hand. Never, under any circumstances, when mounting
from the block, put your foot in the stirrup before you are in the
saddle, as, if the horse should start, you would lose your balance and
have a fall.
[Illustration: DISMOUNTING WITH ASSISTANCE]
In dismounting, with or without assistance, the first thing to do is to
take the straps off and clear the left foot from the stirrup, then
throw the right leg clear of the pommel; gather the reins in the right
hand and place it on the pommel, then spring lightly to the ground. If
any one is assisting you, you should place your left hand on his
shoulder. It is most important to clear the stirrup first, as otherwise,
with your right knee clear of the pommel, you might lose your balance
and be dragged.
[Illustration: DISMOUNTING WITHOUT ASSISTANCE]