18; 



THE COLT SHOULD BE TRAINED TO STEAM. 



The colt should be often ridden to railway stations, 

 or to any place where engines are at work in order to 

 familiarise him with the appearance of steam. It is 

 exceedingly awkward and dangerous for a lady when 

 the colt becomes restive at the sight of steam. The 

 best way to train him to overcome his fear is to use 

 every manner of kindness towards him ; he should 

 never be punished or coerced on approaching steam, 

 or he will naturally grow worse instead of better. The 

 rider should endeavour always to keep the head of the 

 colt facing the steam, and he will soon get accustomed 

 to its appearance. A great preventive to shying at 

 steam is to have a field adjoining a railway where 

 young colts can be turned into in summer, and in 

 very few weeks they will scarely even raise their heads 

 to look at a train passing quite close to them. (See 

 Chapter III., on Breeding and Rearing.) 



THE BEST KIND OF RIDING GEAR. 



Perhaps the best bridle for a lady's horse is a 

 light-made double bridle or pelham, with false head- 

 stall attached. The reins should be narrow, flexible, 

 and of good length so that they can be handled with 

 ease and dexterity. A snaffle bridle, or a martingale, 

 should never be seen on a lady's horse, although a 

 French martingale, or ''rein-ring," is a good preventive 

 to the horse tossing the reins over his ears. The best 

 saddles can always be procured from leading firms in 

 town. Modern saddles are beautifully made and fitted 

 with all the latest improvements and appliances. 



