362 ON BREAKING RACING COLTS. 



For the first few times of mounting a colt, or rather 

 until he stands quiet, there should be three men pre- 

 sent. The colt-breaker should place himself in front of 

 the colt, taking hold of each side of the bit, and a man 

 on the off side should have hold of the stirrup-leather. 

 While the man on the near side (who of course should 

 be a good horseman) is making attempts to mount, the 

 one on the off side should give the necessary weight or 

 strength in bearing down on the stirrup-leather, and 

 yield his weight or strength as occasion may require, 

 to keep the saddle from moving out of its place, and 

 thereby annoying the colt at the time the man on the 

 near side is making attempts to mount and dismount, 

 which he should do by first putting his foot into the 

 stirrup, and then taking it out again ; but of course 

 taking great care that his foot does not touch the colt's 

 side. This he may, perhaps, more easily accomplish, 

 by lengthening his stirrup-leathers a few holes. He 

 may repeat this once or twice, if he finds the colt does 

 not draw himself in, nor bend his body from him, nor 

 yet shift his position. Having got his foot into the 

 stirrup, he may (taking care that his toe does not come 

 in contact with the colt's side) raise himself gradually 

 up from the ground, until he is perfectly upright, and 

 bear, for a few moments, his whole weight on the stir- 

 rup. The colt-breaker should, just at this period, en- 

 deavour, by kindness, to engage the colt's attention, 

 while the man who is mounting may put his leg gently 

 over, and quietly seat himself in the saddle ; and for 



