Horse: Training by Modi^rn Me:thods. 19 



animals' heads wittiout holding the reins. If a horse is 

 very restless, and the cavesson has to he used, it should 

 be in the hands of an experienced man. 



The following is a position often taken for mount- 

 ing a restless artimal: Take the reins of the snaffle in 

 the left hand, and with the same hand catch hold of the 

 mane at about the middle of the neck so that there is a 

 slight tension on the reins. Take hold of the pommel 

 of the saddle with the right hand and mount, taking care 

 that the left toe does not touch the horse when mount- 

 ing. Above all things, avoid bustling the horse when 

 Sitarting; for^ if he is led to expect this, he will never 

 stand quietly to be mounted. Sometimes feeding a horse 

 oats from a pan while he is being mounted causes him 

 to stand quietly. 



First Lessons after Mounting — Never require any- 

 thing from the horse mounted for the first time. If he 

 walks straight ahead, it is sufficient. Keep the reins 

 separated and feel lightly the snaffle. Ride the horse 

 a few times around the hall to the right and to the left, 

 leaving him as free as" possible, if^ of course, he is quiet. 



