268 RIDING VICIOUS HORSES. 



walk, is to hold a stick and the reins crossed in both hands, 

 and to rest the stick and the reins on the pommel (Fig. 208). 

 When the reins are thus held, it will be impossible for the 

 horse to pull them through the hands. In fact, the horse 

 after having made a few fruitless attempts, will generally cease 

 from annoying his rider in this manner. 



Fig. 208. Plan for preventing a horse throwing his head down. 



DIFFICULT TO MOUNT. 



It will be best as a rule to take a short grip of the near 

 rein, as described on page 177, and make the horse go round 

 and round several times, so as to show him that he cannot 

 break away ; and then mount. It is generally easier, and 

 almost always far safer, to mount by oneself, than to have 

 the horse held by an assistant, especially if that individual 

 is inclined to hang on too long, or to attach himself to the 



