BREAKING. 



117 



When the rider has balanced himself for a minute or two, he 

 may gently throw his leg over, and quickly seat himself in the 

 saddle. The breaker should then lead the animal around the 

 ring, the rider meanwhile sitting perfectly still. After a few 

 minutes he should take the reins, and handle them as gently as 

 possible, guiding the horse by the pressure of them ; patting 

 him frequently, and especially when he thinks of dismounting ; 

 and, after having dismounted, ofiering him a little grain, or 

 green feed. The use of the rein in checking him, and of the 

 pressure of the leg and the touch of the heel in quickening his 

 pace, will soon be taught, and his education will be nearly com- 

 pleted. 



The horse having thus far submitted himself to the breaker, 

 these pattings and awards must be gradually diminished, and 

 implicit obedience mildly but firmly enforced. Severity will 

 not often be necessary, in the great majority of cases it being 



Sscl^^^"^'^ 



altogether 

 uncalled for; 

 but should the 

 animal, in a 

 moment of 

 waywardness, 

 ^H>-- dispute the 

 "tS command of 



that we have the power, by other means than those of kindness, 

 to bend him to our will. The education of the horse, in short, 

 should be that of the child. Pleasure is, as much as possible, 



