TRAINING. 299 



training. No attempt should be made at mounting a colt 

 until he has become perfectly reconciled to his trainer's 

 standing over him, and also to the pressure of a hand on 

 the saddle, and a foot passed in and out through the 

 stirrup. To facilitate his standing quiet, place his head to 

 a wall, — or, if he must be held, entrust the task to a steady 

 quiet man, who will stand straight in front of him, fondling 

 his nose and ears, and who will when necessary lay hold of 

 the cheeks of the bridle, above the bit, but never of the bit 

 itself, nor yet of the reins. 



Do not, when mounted, touch the animal with your heel 

 to start him, or attempt to meddle with his mouth in any 

 hurried way. Speak to him coaxingly, and draw one rein 

 very gently, in order to make him shift his leg and move 

 — then walk him quietly about, repeating the lessons in 

 turning, stopping, and backing, which you have already 

 given him on foot If he shows restiveness, or an incli- 

 nation to fight, slip off at once, and proceed with the old 

 method of instruction — because you must not attempt to 

 battle with him until you are quite certain that you can 

 conquer. This is one of the most important principles in 

 correct training, and one which, I regret to say, is most 

 shamefully overlooked. " I won't let him conquer me," 

 says the ignorant breaker, when the timid creature stands 

 still and shivers, and refuses to do what it has not yet 

 learned to comprehend. Greater nonsense could not possibly 

 be spoken. There can be no victory, for either horse or man, 

 until there has first been a battle, and if the man is wise he 

 will not begin one, lest he should fail to prove himself the 



