94 



A good system is to take the colt into the centre 

 of a large field — stubble if possible — and in addition 

 to the reins a coil of cord should be attached to his 

 head in front, so that if any mishap occur he can be 

 prevented from running away by keeping hold of the 

 cord. The cord should be loosely rolled up, and 

 suspended from the left arm of the rider. 



He should get the colt by gently fondling him 



to stand perfectly steady, and this will best be 



effected by giving him half-an-hour's coursing in the 



long rein previously. As soon as the colt is quiet, the 



breaker should take the reins along with a full handful 



of the colt's mane in the left hand, and place the right 



hand on the off side of the saddle with the whip lying 



horizontally under the palm, insert the left foot in the 



stirrup, raise the body gradually up, and whenever the 



balance is reached, slip the leg quietly yet swiftly across 



him, and insert the foot in the stirrup. He should 



settle the body well down in the saddle, keep a cool 



head, and always be ready for any emergency (Fig. 8). 



HOW TO RIDE HIM. 



In putting the colt into motion the breaker should 

 keep his hands well down on the front of the saddle, 

 and urge him gently with the heels. It is always 

 better to ride him without spurs at first. If the colt 

 does not appear inclined to start, the breaker should 

 draw gently on the left rein, at the same time closing 

 the left leg against him, and coax him by kind, 

 assuring words. 



