"If you can, lead the race; but don't lose heart till the last minute, even if you're behind.
" Before the mare had time to move, Vronsky stepped with an agile, vigorous movement into the steel-toothed stirrup, and lightly and firmly seated himself on the creaking leather of the saddle.
Getting his right foot in the stirrup, he smoothed the double reins, as he always did, between his fingers, and Cord let go.