EAREY AND ROCKWELL's TRAINING METHODS. 107 



the reins and mane near the withers, and then make 

 the motion of mounting. Do this a few times until 

 the colt gets accustomed to the new positions and 

 movements. Then gently mount him, the foot being 

 still held up. Now let down the foot and start him 

 along. If he shows signs of being restive, or at- 

 tempting to throw you, pull up the foot and caress 

 him. He will not fall down while the foot is up, as 

 it might be supposed he would. Keep well hold of 

 the foot strap, untie the knot in the reins and letting 

 down the foot, commence turning him from side to 

 side and urging him forward. If he is unwilling to 

 start, take a whip into the same hand, with which 

 you hold the foot strap, and gently touch him with 

 it on the off hind leg, just back of the stifle, gradually 

 increasing the blows until he starts, at the same 

 time loosening the reins. In turning him, use cau- 

 tion, and do not pull upon but one rein at a time, for 

 the reason, that, if you pull on both, the colt will be 

 apt to run backward, sideways, or otherwise act awk- 

 wardly. Do not ride him very far the first time. 

 This lesson with the foot strap should be repeated 

 three or four times, until the colt is accustomed to 

 your presence upon his back, and to your legs against 

 his side. Having never been thrown from a colt, 

 since I adopted this plan, I firmly believe that no 

 better method of training the colt to ride, is known, 



