i 9 8 KINGSCLERE 



crupper and side-reins being attached to it instead 

 of to the roller. After a few days devoted to the 

 newly saddled colt to make him feel at home under 

 his light load, the process of mouthing commences. 

 This is performed by attaching a lunging rein to 

 each side of the bridle, and passing the reins through 

 the stirrup irons, which, while preventing the latter 

 from hanging about the animal's feet, puts an even 

 pressure on the bit. The exercise in question need 

 not be prolonged. A live jockey is far better than 

 any sort of mechanical substitute ; therefore, after 

 driving the youngster for a period of, say, a week, 

 he may then be backed. It is of the utmost 

 importance that no mistake be made at this point. 

 He should have a good man placed upon his back, 

 one who is capable of handling him with a firmness 

 that can be felt — for they know — and yet with even 

 and unfailing gentleness. In the course of another 

 week or so you will be able to turn him loose, 

 whereupon, led by some old stager, he takes his 

 place in the regular string. By-and-bye you lessen 

 the size of the bit, and finally you provide him with 

 the ordinary exercise bridle. It is surprising how 

 soon a young horse comes to hand, treated in the 

 manner I have described. 



1 There is no royal road, no short cut, that I am 

 acquainted with of effecting the object desired by 

 the trainer of race-horses. The fairy tales which are 

 told of gipsy horse-whisperers, and the wonderful 

 achievements of horse-tamers like Rarey, may be 

 taken for just what they are worth. Taming a 



