42 THE HOESE AND ITS DISEASES. 



him be taken past the object of his fear, first at a greater 

 distance, and then nearer, until he may be quietly led 

 close to it ; it is only by patience on the part of the 

 breaker that these difficulties are overcome ; whereas, 

 if the animal is forcibly and suddenly taken up to the 

 object before fear has subsided, a habit may be established 

 which will never afterwards be eradicated. The next 

 thing to be attended to, is to apply the saddle, which 

 should be put on his back with great caution. The 

 breaker should place himself at the head of the colt, and 

 by caresses, and patting, divert his attention. Let one 

 assistant on the off side put the saddle gently on his 

 back, while another on the near side gets hold of the 

 girths, and slowly tightens them, but not too much. 

 On or about the third day, the trainer must then attempt 

 to mount — at first, two assistants will be necessary. 

 His first business will be to remain at the head of the 

 animal, patting and caressing him, while the person 

 who intends to mount, must first pull the left, or near 

 stirrup, pretty heavily, with both hands, while the man 

 on the off side presses gently on the other stirrup, and 

 after having repeated this several times, the person on 

 the near side must put his left foot into the stirrup, and 

 gradually apply pressure to it, the man on the off side 

 pressing on the other stirrup as before, until the colt will 

 endure the whole weight of the rider mounted and 

 leaning his hands upon the saddle, but if the animal 

 proves very refractory, no further attempt must be made 

 at that time ; if this is in the morning, the same course 

 may be pursued in the evening. During the operation, 

 a handful of corn should be occasionally given to the 

 colt, and when he becomes quite reconciled, the rider 

 must apply pressure with his legs, and also a gentle 

 touch with the heels, when he desires to quicken his 

 pace, which will finish the progress of training. I would 

 caution all those who ride horses occasionally used to 

 harness, to keep a firm bridle hand, that is to feel the 

 mouth constantly, because they are accustomed to depend 



