The left, or bridle hand, with the wrist rounded outwards, is placed opposite the centre of the body, and at three inches’ distance from it;--the right hand is dropped by the side of the thigh;--the stirrup is taken instantly with the right foot, without the help of hand or eye;--the clothes are adjusted;--and the whip is exchanged from the left hand to the right, being held with the lash upwards, but inclining a little towards the left ear of the horse, and never leaving the right hand, except while mounting or dismounting,--(Plate XXXVI. f. 2.) The horse is to be accustomed to stand till the rider request him to move. The habit of unsteadiness is acquired from grooms, who, on going out to water and exercise, throw themselves over a horse from some elevation, and give a kick to the animal even before being fairly upon it. If a groom attend at mounting, he ought not to be suffered to touch the reins, but only that part of the bridle which comes down the cheek. In dismounting, the whip is to be returned into the left hand;--the right hand takes hold of the rein above the left;--the right foot quits the stirrup;--the left hand slides forward on the rein, to about twelve inches from the saddle, feeling the horse’s mouth very lightly;--the right hand, dropping the reins to the off side, takes a lock of the mane, brings it through the left, and twists it round the left thumb;--the fingers of the left hand close on it;--the right hand is placed on the pommel; the body being kept erect. The body is supported with the right hand and left foot;--the right leg is, without touching the horse’s hind-quarters or the saddle, brought gently to the near side, with the heels close, care being take not to bend the right knee, lest the spur should touch the horse;--the right hand passes at the same time to the cantle, to preserve the balance, as in the act of mounting;--the body is gently lowered until the right toe touches the ground;--resting on the right foot, the left stirrup is quitted, and the left foot placed in line with the horse’s hoofs;--the hands remaining as in the former motion. Both hands then quit their holds of the mane and cantle;--and the right hand lays hold of the snaffle rein near the ring of the bit. In mounting without stirrups,--after taking up the reins, instead of seizing the mane, the rider lays hold of the pommel and cantle, and, by a spring of both legs from the insteps, raises the body to the centre of the saddle. By a second spring of both arms, the right leg is carried over the horse, and the rider enters his proper seat by closing the knees on the saddle, and sliding gently into it. In dismounting without stirrups, on either side of the horse, the rider throws the weight of the body on the hands placed on the pommel, and, by a spring, raises the body out of the saddle before the leg is brought over the horse. THE SEAT.