THE COLT. 55 



very gently and not draw it too tight at first, just tight enough 

 to hold the saddle on. Move him a little and then girth it as 

 tight as you choose, and he will not mind it. You should then 

 lead him about the stable a few times and remove the saddle and 

 replace it again. The saddle should not have any loose straps 

 about it to flap about and scare him. After he becomes thor- 

 oughly accustomed to the saddle, and is not afraid to see you any- 

 where about him, and will follow anywhere you want him to go 

 with the saddle on, you may now proceed to mount the colt. 



HOW TO MOUNT THE COLT. 



You should always be alone and have your colt in some light 

 stable the first time you ride him. You should pass all around 

 him, move the saddle skirts, and see that they cannot frighten 

 him. You may now place a block by the side of the colt and 

 get on the block. If he becomes frightened at your appearing 

 higher than usual repeat the lesson until fear is removed. Lean 

 on the saddle put your foot in the stirrup, and allow him to bear 

 your weight. Allow your knees to rest against him and your toe 

 to touch him under the fore shoulder. Repeat this several times, 

 or until the horse becomes thoroughly accustomed to it. You 

 may now raise your leg over his croup and he will not become 

 frightened. When you take these precautions there is no horse 

 so wild but that you can mount him without making him jump. 

 I have tried it on the worst* horses that can be found, and have 

 never failed in any case. When mounting, your horse should 

 always stand without being held. 



HOW TO RIDE THE COLT. 



When you want a colt to start do not touch him on the side 

 with your heel or strike him with the whip. At once speak to 

 him kindly, and if he does not start pull him a little to the left 

 until he does so, then let him walk off slowly with the reins loose. 

 Ride him around in the stable, turning him from side to side 

 until he becomes used to the bit. Get on and off until he will 



