176 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



they are then buckled again over the withers, when the martin- 

 gale will be between the colt's chin and breast. 



Not only is the ordinary martingale in the way, but it is 

 often used to give the trainer a good purchase and enable him 

 to hold on. This is most objectionable, as a man who requires 

 such assistance is certain to give the colt a hard mouth. There 

 ought to be very little, if any, pressure on the reins, for light 

 hands are all-important in mounting a young horse. 



If the colt is pretty steady and quiet, he can be mounted 

 without much trouble. The girths should be moderately tight, 

 all straps and buckles secure, and the crupper easy. The 

 reins are then gathered in the left hand, the trainer's left side 

 placed to the colt's left shoulder ; his left foot is then quietly 

 raised into the stirrup two or three times, each time a little 

 more weight being placed in it ; when, if the animal takes 

 kindly to this, the body may be raised in the stirrup, both legs 

 being off the ground, and the animal being talked to softly 

 and soothingly. After standing in the stirrup for a second or 

 two, the trainer descends, and again ascends until the colt is 

 used to this movement and the weight, when the right leg can 

 be thrown gently over, taking care not to touch the back, the 

 weight being supported by the right hand, which grasps the 

 pommel of the saddle ; the right leg is then lowered into its 

 proper position without touching the side until seated in the 

 saddle, and the foot placed in the stirrup. The rider now sits 

 motionless, except to pat the animal's neck and caress him, 

 speaking to him kindly and pleasing him. No attempt should 

 be made to make him move. After a few minutes' seat, the 

 rider dismounts as quietly and methodically as he mounted 

 releasing the right foot from the stirrup, bringing the right leg 

 over the back, halting a few seconds in the left stirrup, patting 

 and speaking to the colt, and then descending. 



This should be repeated a few times ; then the animal is 

 brought out of doors to the longeing ground, and mounted in 



