MOUNTING THE COLT. 49 



left foot in the stirrup, and gradually bear 



weight upon it, when after a while you may 



raise yourself in the stirrup, so that both your 



legs are oflf the ground. You must watch 



minutely every movement of the animal, and 



speak gently and soothingly to him. After 



standing in the stirrup for a few seconds, lower 



yourself to the ground again, and then repeat 



the same a few times, until the colt seems quiet 



and used to it, when you may throw your right 



leg gently over his back, taking care not to 



touch him with it, and placing all your weight 



on your right hand, grasping the pommel of 



the saddle. When your leg is over liis back, 



lower it quietly into its proper position, but 



keep it from touching the animal's side until 



you have gently seated yourself in the saddle, 



then put your foot in the stirrup and there you 



are. Now do not spoil everything by trying 



to make the colt progress, but sit still, talk to 



him, pat him, and do everything you can to 



pacify the animal, and get him used to seeing 



you take such liberties with him as sitting on 



£ 



