The rider should, in the first place, let the horse know that he is not
afraid of him. Before mounting a horse, take the rein into the left hand,
draw it tightly, put the left foot in the stirrup, and raise quickly. When
you are seated press your knees to the saddle, let your leg, from the
knee, stand out; turn your toe in and heel out; sit upright in your
saddle, throw your weight forward--one third of it in the stirrups--and
hold your rein tight. Should your horse scare, you are braced in your
saddle and he cannot throw you.