In the Stable, Field, and on the Road. 25 



midst of their most rapid career. So gentle and docile 

 are they that it is a common sight to see the Bedouin 

 children playing under the belly of their horse or climb- 

 ing up its legs. The foal being used from its birth to 

 gentle treatment and caressing, looks upon man as his 

 best friend, and as it grows it develops a steadfast love 

 for him. How different the treatment it receives in 

 this boasted Christian land. 



Having taught the colt to bear the jockey, next 

 place the saddle on its back. Be careful not to 

 frighten it and go up to it very gently with the saddle 

 under your right arm, having the girths folded over 

 the saddle, and your hand holding the off-side flap. 

 Get close to your colt and raise the arm slowly and 

 then bring the saddle over its back and lay it softly on 

 it. After the saddle is on its back, keep playing with 

 it, and let the girths fall over, then buckle the girth 

 but not tight. After you have got the saddle on take 

 two lounging reins, one on each side, and drive it 

 about, stopping it occasionally to pat and talk to it. 

 It should be driven about for a few days, and then you 

 may get on its back. This you should always do in 

 the stable, getting up and down very quietly, speaking 

 kindly, and patting and caressing it. As it is wonder- 

 ful how a horse can read man's countenance, and tell 

 instantly the mood a man is in ; therefore it is necessary 

 that the man training a young horse should not lose 

 his temper. 



After you have mounted and dismounted several 

 times and walked it round the box, to accustom the 

 colt to the use of the reins, you can take it out and 



