from the right side also. In fact, he has nothing else to learn except
to do with his right limbs what he has previously done with the left,
and vice versa. And the reason we approve of this method of mounting
is[8] that it enables the soldier at one and the same instant to get
astride of his horse and to find himself prepared at all points,
supposing he should have to enter the lists of battle on a sudden.

[8] Lit. "One reason for the praise which we bestow on this method of
mounting is that at the very instant of gaining his seat the
soldier finds himself fully prepared to engage the enemy on a
sudden, if occasion need."

But now, supposing the rider fairly seated, whether bareback or on a
saddle-cloth, a good seat is not that of a man seated on a chair, but
rather the pose of a man standing upright with his legs apart. In this
way he will be able to hold on to the horse more firmly by his thighs;
and this erect attitude will enable him to hurl a javelin or to strike
a blow from horseback, if occasion calls, with more vigorous effect.
The leg and foot should hang loosely from the knee; by keeping the leg
stiff, the rider is apt to have it broken in collision with some
obstacle; whereas a flexible leg[9] will yield to the impact, and at
the same time not shift the thigh from its position. The rider should
also accustom the whole of his body above the hips to be as supple as
possible; for thus he will enlarge his scope of action, and in case of
a tug or shove be less liable to be unseated. Next, when the rider is
seated, he must, in the first place, teach his horse to stand quiet,
until he has drawn his skirts from under him, if need be,[10] and got
the reins an equal length and grasped his spear in the handiest
fashion; and, in the next place, he should keep his left arm close to
his side. This position will give the rider absolute ease and