Figure 12-4: Swing your right leg over the horse s hindquarters without touching the rump in .NET framework

Paint QR Code ISO/IEC18004 in .NET framework Figure 12-4: Swing your right leg over the horse s hindquarters without touching the rump

Mounting in an English saddle is easiest if you use a mounting block or higher ground to stand when hoisting yourself into the saddle See the earlier section Choosing a place to mount for more information To mount English style, follow these steps: 1 Lead your horse to the area where you want to mount You may want to place a mounting block next to the saddle, about a foot from the horse s left side 2 Position yourself and stay in control of the horse (see Figure 12-5) Place the reins over your horse s head and rest them on her neck Stand at the horse s left shoulder, facing the side of the horse The reins should be in your left hand Grab a handful of mane at the base of the horse s neck with the same hand

3 Using your right hand, grasp the stirrup iron and turn it toward you; place your left foot in the stirrup (see Figure 12-6) 4 Swing into the saddle Grasp the cantle with your right hand Bounce on your right leg two or three times and then launch yourself up into the air Try to hoist yourself up using the power from your leg more than the strength of your arms Swing your right leg over the horse s hindquarters, being careful not to touch them, and land gently in the saddle (see Figure 12-7)

Figure 12-7: Turn your body toward the horse as you take hold of the cantle with your right hand and launch into the air

5 Place your right foot in the stirrup and adjust your reins Don t squeeze the horse with your legs as you try to get your foot in the right stirrup, or else you ll cue the horse to go forward before you re ready

You ve had a great ride, but before you can do anything else in your life, you have to get off the horse Dismounting is much easier than mounting because you don t have to battle gravity However, you still need to dismount correctly for your own safety and the comfort of your horse, and you need to perform a couple of tasks before you even think about dismounting

Unlike Hollywood stunt riders, you can t leap off just anywhere, and you need your horse to be standing still before you get out of the saddle Save running dismounts for the professionals As with mounting, pick a safe place to dismount Follow these guidelines: Find a spot where you have plenty of room to land when you step out of the saddle without being close to a wall, fence, or another horse If you re dismounting on the trail, pick a flat area free of trees and other objects so you have a lot of elbow room Choose a place where your horse is comfortable and unlikely to spook or start moving, such as inside an arena or in front of a hitching post or cross-ties Aim to land on sturdy ground Mounting blocks can tip over Avoid dismounting near an open gate or barn door, which may be too tempting for your horse to resist You don t want her to start walking off while you re trying to dismount Of course, you have to stop before you can get off The way you stop your horse depends on the gait you choose: walk, trot or jog, or canter or lope All involve cues with the reins and seat For details on how to stop your horse at the different gaits, see s 13, 14, and 15