156 Training the Saddle Horse 



sure until he becomes steady. We may now remove 

 the sack, and if the horse has exhibited any unsteadi- 

 ness, apply the noose- or rope-twitch (p. 197). 

 Let an assistant hold the horse and correct any 

 uneasiness by using the twitch while the animal is 

 being mounted. Quietly mount and dismount several 

 times, rewarding or punishing the horse according 

 to his conduct. The assistant may lead the horse 

 about the inclosure to familiarize him, while in 

 motion, with the weight on his back. Now the 

 rider should take a short and firm hold on the reins, 

 so as to be able to meet any emergency, while the 

 assistant removes the twitch. Ride the horse first 

 about the inclosure, and then in the field, until he 

 becomes perfectly familiar with the extra weight 

 and will obey the voice and reins. 



Some horsemen mount for the first time by grad- 

 ually educating the horse to bear the weight of a 

 man's body. They begin by handUng and caress- 

 ing the animal, then catching hold around the neck 

 well back toward the withers, and by degrees familiar- 

 izing him with the weight by hanging on to the back 

 part of the neck. After he learns to bear weight at 

 the withers, pass to the back, and in a like manner 

 educate him to bear weight, first by simply leaning 

 on him, gradually increasing the weight, and lastly 

 by taking a position astride. The horse is frequently 

 caressed to assure him that he is doing well. This 

 method works well with the gentle horse. In case 



