1 1 o HORSE MA XSHIR 



tamed it. With uxorious pride he added " she could tame 

 anything." Though disapproving of children being about 

 the stable, there can be no harm in their visiting their pet 

 in his paddock, hovel, or loose box, taking with them some 

 little treat, and spending an hour or so with him. 



Children are by no means light-handed, and are much 

 given to ride in the pony s mouth — that is, hold on by the 

 bridle. The rubber-coated flexible snaffle bit will give them 

 all the command they need over a well-trained pouy, and will, 

 at the same time, save his mouth. The rein, a single one, 

 should be narrow, soft and pliant as kid, and held in both 

 hands. At first, perhaps, the better plan is to give no reins 

 at all, but let the Httle rider preserve the balance by holding 

 on to the roll in front of the saddle. 



During the first few lessons the pony must be led by a 

 light long rein buckled to the off ring of the bit and passing 

 under the chin through the other ring to the instructor on 

 the near side. For a day or two he had better keep close 

 to his little pupil and confine the pace to a walk, giving only 

 a very little instruction. An apt child with some nerve will 

 soon shake down into the saddle, may be led about at full 

 extent of the eight foot rein, and from a walk may be coaxed 

 into trying, for a few paces only, a slow jog-trot. These 

 rudimentary lessons are best given in the paddock and out 

 of sight of mamma, should that lady not be a horsewoman. 

 If present, her over anxiety will only distract the child and 

 implant fear where no fear is. 



From being led on foot, as progress is made, the next 

 step in advance is to mount a good steady reliable horse, 

 and to lead from the saddle. The child may now for the 

 first time — the use of the reins as already explained having 

 been carefully taught — have the bridle put in its hands. 

 Keeping the pony on his right hand and at a good distance. 



