Portuguese saddle

[BEARCAT]

How does one dismount gracefully (and safely!) from a portuguese saddle such as this one:
http://www.portugalshop.com/Saddles/Portuguese-saddle.html

I have tried swinging my leg over but the back is very high and my leg catches. Have tried keeping my foot in the stirrup (which I have always learned is potentially dangerous) and it was only slightly more graceful...
Any tips?

[andy825]

Swing your leg over the front?

[Petstorejunkie]

how spry are you?
I haven't had to do it in about 8 years but swing your legs WAY forward to build up inertia, then swing them back swiftly while keeping your legs straight, let your torso go with them so you are straight like this (http://www.sportsposterwarehouse.com/catImages/gympommel01psa-1.jpg) but with both hands on the saddle.
be careful coming down onto frozen ground. it'll hurt.

[BEARCAT]

Petstorejunkie, you got a good laugh out of me with that picture!!