Riding the Young Horse. 27 



In mounting the colt for the first time the 

 trainer should select an occasion when, after some 

 gentle exercise, the animal is composed and con- 

 fident. He should see that the snafHe-bridle 

 is in good order, that it fits the head and mouth 

 without discomfort, and that the saddle is properly 

 and strongly girthed. If he has reason to believe 

 that the horse will make violent resistances, he 

 can insure his seat by having a rolled blanket 

 strapped to the pommel of the saddle ; but it is an 

 exceptional horse that will give trouble, if its edu- 

 cation has been conducted on the lines recom- 

 mended. In riding a young or difficult horse for 

 the first time, I prefer to have a leg up from an 

 assistant ; for in that way the rider can quietly 

 obtain his seat before the animal can prevent, and 

 this is a moral victory which the colt will under- 

 stand. Should the trainer elect to mount in the 

 usual way, he must take care that he does not 

 irritate the horse by a thrust of the left toe, and 

 that he does not strike the rump as he carries the 

 right leg over. Once in the saddle, he should let 

 the colt walk off as quietly as it will, the reins 

 just taking a bearing upon the animal's mouth, 

 and his heels away from its flanks. In this first 



