28 THE HORSE ©WNER's 



his side, just back of the forward forearm, and draw your- 

 self gradually to his back ; if he should attempt to move, 

 pull on the strap, using the word whoa, and he will soon 

 think more of his foot than of you, for he cannot think of 

 both at the same time, as it is impossible for a horse to 

 think of two things at once. You must now be very care- 

 ful ; do not try to work fast, and do not be in a hurry, for 

 you will frighten him with your quick, hasty moves. If 

 you will work slowly for five minutes, you will be on his 

 back, and he will show no disposition to dismount you. 

 We feel confident in our success, for we have never failed 

 in mounting the worst that could be brought in half that 

 time. Move slowly and carefully until you get your right 

 leg over his back, and in the same gentle manner get into 

 an upright position. You now have your bridle reins in 

 your left hand, the strap in your right, which is attached 

 to the foot, and if he attempts to make a wrong move the 

 word whoa, and a pull at the strap, will make all right. 

 Bear in mind, however, that there is a great difference in 

 the temper and intelligence of colts, some being quick to 

 learn, while others are very stupid. Remember that the 

 more dull and stupid the subject, the more need of patience 

 and perseverance, always bearing in mind that you are a 

 man, and are dealing with a dumb brute — that if you are 

 not capable of controlling yourself, you certainly are not 

 capable of controlling a poor dumb brute. Your colt will 

 now allow you to mount and dismount at pleasure. You 

 cannot expect him to be handy to the rein until after he is 

 properly bitted, which is the next step with the colt. 



