m 



HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



right hand, put your right arm over the saddle, and 

 taking up the reins on both sides of the neck, with 

 the right and left hands, walk the horse around until 

 he gets sufficiently used to the reins and that you may 

 turn and stop him by gently pulling the reins. As soon 

 as he stands still, loosen the reins slightly. Always 

 bear in mind to execute all these preparations with 

 no other person present, but in a large stable, 

 or some other enclosed space, where there is no 

 danger of getting hurt in mounting the horse after- 

 ward. It is essential that you should talk to and 

 caress the horse during and after every exercise. In 

 this way you will accomplish more in hours than 

 otherwise in months. 



16 — MOUNTING THE HORSE, (RAREY). 



Having adjusted bit, reins, and saddle, the horse 

 is ready to be mounted. Before you actually mount 

 him, prepare him properly by caressing and stroking 

 him on both sides of the saddle and over the whole 

 body, and then gently and gradually make him ac- 

 customed to a pressure upon his back and to receive 

 the weight of his master. This end you will not 

 reach untill all fear is removed, and the animal has 

 learned to stand still without being held, and not to 

 get alarmed at the sight of the rider wherever he 

 jnay be. The best way, to accustom the horse to 



