near stirrup iron, at which moment it often happens that the horse attempts one of the defences already described. If the movement is only slight, we can correct it by the action of the reins without changing our position. If it is violent, we can place our foot on the ground and correct him with the whip.

Finally, we should bear in mind that as soon as we are in the saddle, we should have the snaffle reins in their respective hands, and we should hold them only just short enough to enable us, by a light feeling on them, to steady the horse, in the event of his " playing up."

I ought to admit that my method of getting into the saddle is contrary to the principles which are generally taught. In fact, it is always laid down that to mount, the rider ought to take both reins of the snaffle and a lock of the mane near the withers in his left hand ; place the right hand on the centre of the saddle, raise himself on the stirrup, and, when his left knee is straight, carry his right hand quickly from the cantle to the pommel, while passing his right leg over the horse. He then sits down. By this system the rider is unable to counteract any movement made by the horse. Further, at the moment when the right hand passes from the cantle to the pommel, the equilibrium of the rider is as unstable as possible, and can be upset by the slightest cause. Precisely on account of this want of equilibrium, the rider falls, instead of sits, down on the saddle, and by falling in this manner he can unfortunately hurt himself, especially on the pommel, if the horse makes a single step to the rear.

With the method which I advocate, the rider is able to avoid any accident, to stop any "playing up," or even any movement on the part of the horse ; because he holds a snaffle rein in each hand.

When I lunge a horse, I take care to girth him with a moderate degree of tightness before putting him into a trot.