324 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



familiarise the animal to it, and will associate in his 

 mind the increased action required by such a signal. 

 Horses in general have excellent memories, and 

 seldom forget what they are taught. If, however, the 

 colt does not attend to the gentle tap, a sharper one 

 may be applied, and the feeling of pain exerted as a 

 monitor to increased action. These lessons must be 

 repeated until the animal is reduced to perfect 

 obedience. 



The next thing to be attended to is to apply 

 the saddle, which should be put on his back with 

 great caution. The breaker should place himself at 

 the head of the colt, and by caresses and patting 

 divert his attention. Let one assistant on the off side 

 put the saddle gently on his back, while another on 

 the near side gets hold of the girths, and slowly 

 tightens them. They ought to be but loosely drawn 

 at first, only to such an extent as to prevent the 

 saddle from turning round. If a crupper is used, it 

 ought to be sufficiently long to prevent it from galling 

 the tail. He should then be led about with the saddle 

 on his back for at least a couple of days, the trainer 

 occasionally leaning his arm as heavily as possible. 

 The girths during this time must be gradually 

 tightened, until that firmness is acquired which is 

 necessary when a man is mounted on his back. If 

 the previous process of breaking has been effectually 

 accomplished, he will generally submit to all this 

 quietly, if done with caution. On or about the third 

 day the trainer must then attempt to mount. At 

 first two assistants will be absolutely necessary. His 

 first business will be to remain at the head of the 

 animal, patting and caressing him, while the person 

 who intends to mount must first pull the left or near 

 stirrup pretty heavily with both hands, while the man 



