Mounting the Horse 155 



rowel, or with a blunted rowel, and lastly by the 

 pressure of the common spurs. The horse should 

 be made so thoroughly obedient to them that when 

 riding him we may dispense with their use, the con- 

 tact of the heel being sufficient to produce the 

 desired results. 



MOUNTING HORSE FOR FIRST TIME 



After the saddle horse has been taught the uses of 

 the bit, he should be educated to stand while being 

 mounted. This is an important part of the saddle 

 horse's training, for it is very provoking to have a 

 horse continually stepping about or starting while 

 one is mounting. Many horses otherwise well 

 trained possess this aggravating habit. 



After driving the horse about the training pad- 

 dock, as suggested in teaching the commands (p. 63), 

 take him to his stall and carefully place the saddle 

 on his back, first permitting him to feel and smell it, 

 if he likes. Draw the girth moderately tight and 

 leave him in the stall until he becomes familiar with 

 the object on his back. If unsteady, he should be 

 caressed. Then cautiously remove the saddle and 

 carefully replace as before. Repeat until he exhibits 

 no uneasiness on being saddled. 



Next take the horse into the training paddock, 

 place across the saddle a half-filled sack of sand or 

 earth, secure firmly and drive him about the inclo- 



