SADDLING. 17 



holds the rein should place himself in front of, and facing 

 the horse, and taking the snaffle reins near the ring of the 

 bit, one in each hand, endeavour, by a gentle and alternate 

 pressure of the bit, upon the bars of the horse's mouth, to 

 make him step back a few paces, being particular to move 

 him forward after reining back : if at first he only yields 

 to the pressure of the bit, it should be deemed sufficient. 

 Never, if he deserves it, omit to encourage him before dis- 

 missing him. 



Saddling. 



So far the colt has been free from encumbrance that he 

 might have the free play and full use of his limbs ; but when 

 he has arrived at the point that he longes freely, and 

 steps well out with an even length of pace, the next thing 

 is to put a saddle on his back ; here also the greatest care 

 is requisite. Saddling should take place in the first in- 

 stance, in an open space or longeing ground, so that if the 

 horse should jump or plunge, he may not hurt himself. 

 Two men are quite sufficient for this duty, as more about 

 him will only cause needless alarm. The man with the 

 longeing rein, buckled on to the snaffle, and holding the 

 spare end of it folded up in his left hand, should face the 

 horse, and hold him by taking the snaffle reins one in each 

 hand close to the bit, speaking to him and taking off his 

 attention by gently moving the bit in his mouth ; in the 

 mean time, the other man places the saddle upon his back, 

 having the girths laid upon it, buckled to the off side, the 

 girths may then be carefully let down, all which should be 

 done without hurry, and as quietly as possible. The man 

 may then take the girths, one at a time, very gently, and 

 draw them on to the straps, merely to prevent the saddle 

 slipping off. Having been successful so far, pat him and 

 rub him about the neck and ribs, and if he shows no 



