i85 



manner for a few days, gradually lengthening the 

 skirt until it reaches the required position, in order 

 to accustom him to the feeling and appearance of 

 the habit, and in very few lessons he will soon grow 

 familiar with it. 



The colt should also be trained to spread himself 

 out for the purpose of being mounted, as already 

 described in a former chapter. When no one is 

 present to assist a lady into the saddle this acquire- 

 ment is a decided advantage. 



THE ADVANTAGE OF A NOSE STRAP. 



When the side reins are discontinued a strap 

 should be attached to the nose-band of the bridle, or 



to a false head-stall under 

 the bridle, which last- 

 named piece of head- 

 gear is an excellent 

 arrangement in a lady's 

 bridle. The strap should 

 pass through the breast- 

 plate ring, then through 

 between the colt's fore 

 legs, and finally fixed to 

 the saddle girths. This 

 strap will tend to steady 

 the colt and prevent him acquiring a disagreeable 

 habit of tossing up his head which is very offensive 

 to a lady. It will take the place of a martingale 

 without checking the mouth of the colt and after 



Fig. 26.— The Nose Strap. 



