376 rarey's method of taming horses. 



stable of this kind, than you could in two weeks in the common 

 way of breaking colts, out in an open place. If you follow 

 my course of treatment, you need not run any risk, or have 

 any trouble in riding the worst kind of horse. You take him 

 a step at a time, until you get up a mutual confidence and 

 trust between yourself and horse. First teach him to lead and 

 stand hitched ; next acquaint him with the saddle, and the 

 use of the bit ; and then all that remains is to get on him 

 without scaring him, and you cm ride him as well as any 

 horse. 



How TO Mount the Colt. — First gentle him well on both 

 sides, about the saddle, and all over until he will stand still 

 without holding, and is not afraid to see you anywhere about 

 him. As soon as you have him thus gentled, get a small 

 block, about one foot or eighteen inches in height, and set 

 it down by the side of him, about where you want to stand to 

 mount him ; step up on this, raising yourself very gently ; 

 horses notice every change of position very closely, and if you 

 were to step up suddenly on the block, it would be very apt 

 to scare him ; but by raising yourself gradually on it, he will 

 see you without being frightened, in a position very nearly 

 the uaine as when you are on his back. 



As soon as he will bear this without alarm, untie the stirrup- 

 strap next to you, and put your left foot into the stirrup, and 

 stand square over it, holding your knee against the horse, and 

 your toes out, so as not to touch him under the shoulder with 

 the toe of your boot. Place your right hand on the front of 

 the saddle, and on the opposite side of you, taking hold of a 

 portion of the mane and the reins, as they hang loosely over 

 his neck, willi your left hand ; then gradually bear your weight 



