COLONIAL RIDING 157 



Directly he is considered old enough to be broken 

 in to the saddle, he is rounded up, and thrown by 

 the lasso. While lying helpless, but panting and 

 terrified, a saddle is placed on his back, a bit in 

 his mouth, and his dreaded enemy stands over 

 him. At this moment he is unloosed, and assisted 

 to rise by a cut with a whip. No sooner is he on 

 his legs than he realizes a man is on his back. 

 His only idea, then, is to get rid of his enemy, 

 and starts bucking and doing everything he can 

 to obtain his freedom. After his first efforts have 

 proved vain, and he has tired somewhat, the rider 

 starts thrashing him. So his bucking is continued 

 until he is too exhausted to do more, and he 

 stands quiet, dripping with perspiration, and 

 trembling with terror. In most cases his educa- 

 tion is now complete. His spirit is broken, and 

 he accepts the mastery of man. It must be 

 remembered that in this contest their strength is 

 not very great. They are only grass-fed, and 

 youngsters, and are very different both in size 

 and strength to horses of a similar age in our 

 country. 



This is the origin and reason for the buck- 

 jumper. It is undoubtedly a cruel system, but 

 it is quick and practical, and that is what chiefly 

 interests the colonial, who has neither time nor 

 opportunity for more delicate handling. He only 

 wants to get a horse fit for the duty of cattle 

 ranching in the quickest possible time, and if 

 some break down in the process — well, horses 

 are cheap, and there are others. 



