THE On.TECT OF BREAKING 63 



arc generally the result ol' saddling and mounting a 

 young horse for the first time on the same day. 



The mounting lesson. — The instructor, in accord- 

 ance with circumstances, decides on the most opportune 

 moment for giving the mounting lesson, but he should 

 always give it after work, because the consequent 

 fatigue is a guarantee of calm. This lesson can also, 

 in certain cases, be given during the lunging lesson, 

 but always when the horse is relaxed by exercise. 

 The instructor personally directs the first lesson, which 

 is given to each horse individually, and he will exercise 

 the greatest gentleness and patience. 



Accompanied by an assistant, carrying if desirable 

 a sieve full of oats, he places himself in front of the 

 horse and pats him, without taking hold of the reins, 

 except in case of necessity. The rider goes up to the 

 horse's head, strokes him on the face, the eyes, the 

 neck, and the quarters ; strikes the saddle, moves 

 the stirrups about ; then he takes the reins, at a good 

 length, and mounts the horse without haste, but also 

 without hesitation. If during the lesson the horse 

 moves or goes backwards, the trainer goes back to the 

 horse's head, draws the horse forward with the bridoon 

 rein, and again mounts quietly. The rider takes care 

 when placing the foot in the stirrup to drop the toe 

 so as not to irritate the horse by touching the side. 

 After raising himself in the stirrup, he should imme- 

 diately place himself in the saddle ; as, by placing 

 the whole weight of his body for any length of time 

 on the one side, he disturbs the balance of the horse, 

 and makes it impossible for him to stand still. He 

 will place the right iron on the foot with the right 

 hand ; if he searches for it with his toe he will probably 

 frighten the horse. 



