180 Training the Saddle Horse 



nal from the rider, and it is even more important 

 that he be taught to stop instantly, no matter how 

 fast the gait. As we have seen, much exercise in 

 the outHne of the figure 8 is beneficial in teaching 

 the horse to lead with either foreleg. The pony 

 must stop with his head up rather than down, and 

 to do this properly he should be taught to stop 

 from his hind legs. When the stopping is done with 

 the shoulders, the head is likely to be lowered, which 

 is objectionable. 



The next step is to familiarize the pony with the 

 polo stick. This can be facihtated by some such 

 methods as suggested in poling (p. 69). When 

 the pony shows no fear, the rider may take the stick 

 in hand and with the animal at the walk, slowly, go 

 through much the same motions as in playing the 

 game. Gradually increase the movements of the 

 stick, first in one hand and then in the other. Much 

 care should be exercised never to hit the pony with 

 the stick during this familiarizing work. 



When the pony is sufficiently famiUar with the 

 stick to permit all the strokes at the walk, continue the 

 practice at the trot, and lastly at the canter. Next 

 take a soft india rubber ball and gently knock about 

 until the pony is used to it. If perchance such a 

 ball should strike the animal it will not injure or 

 frighten him. In training the pony to follow the 

 ball it is best to have several balls, and when the 

 rider misses one he may take another. It discour- 



