102 HORSEMANSHIP. 



At this stage of the breaking in, it will be advisable 

 to employ an assistant, who should hold the colt close 

 to his head by a very steady hand on the cavesson rein, 

 at the same time standing face to face with the colt, 

 patting and caressing him. You may then proceed to 

 take up the snaffle-reins with the left hand, and place 

 the left foot very quietly in the stirrup, taking great 

 care that the point of the toe does not come in contact 

 with the side of the horse. If the colt be very nervous 

 or unruly, cease to repeat the lesson at that time, but 

 continue to longe him until his alarm has subsided. 



When he stands perfectly quiet, take hold of the 

 cantle of the saddle, and raise yourself gently until you 

 stand upright in the stirrup. Repeat this lesson also, 

 until the colt ceases to flinch or start. 



When he stands quite still, with the rider standing 

 upright in the stirrup, then carry the right leg quietly 

 over the back, and come very gently into the saddle, 

 by staying the weight of the body with the right hand 

 placed upon the right side of the pommel of the saddle. 

 When the rider is in the saddle, his legs must not press 

 the sides of the colt, and the hands must not bear upon 

 the mouth. If the colt begins to kick and plunge, the 

 person in charge of the cavesson rein must keep his 



