SADDLE HORSES 153 



within the scope of this book. Great pains should be 

 taken not to frighten the horse when you first get on 

 his back. The methods of the "broncho-buster" 

 afford an opportunity for the display of courage and skill 

 on the part of the rider, but they do not make good or 

 trustworthy saddle horses. Give the horse his first 

 lesson in a stable, carriage-house (emptied of car- 

 riages), or other enclosed place, where he cannot get 

 away, or Injure himself. John Porter, the famous 

 English trainer of race horses, whose home Is near the 

 downs of Hampshire, always has the yearlings In his 

 charge saddled and ridden for the first time in what is 

 called the Punch-Bowl — a round hollow in the hills — 

 the sides of which are so steep that It is easy to pre- 

 vent a colt from ascending them. 



If the horse Is a timid, nervous animal. It Is not a 

 bad plan to begin In this way: Tie him on each side 

 with a strong headstall and halter ropes as if you 

 were going to clean him. Then, In a slow, quiet way, 

 and after much talking to the horse, accompanied by 

 the feeding of apples or sugar, slip on his back, by 

 means of a box or block placed alongside, or have some 

 one boost you on. The horse may plunge violently for 

 a few minutes, but that will do no harm, and after a 

 lesson or two, he will cease to be afraid, and will not 

 lift a foot during the operation. One advantage of this 

 method is that the horse will probably acquire the habit 

 of standing perfectly still while the rider Is getting 

 Into the saddle — a great convenience to the latter. 



Most American-bred horses are so gentle and intelli- 

 gent that they are easily broken to ride; but still 



