RIDING. 49 



hand, while the left grasps the near rein of the bridle 

 firmly. As the head is pulled around, the horse is made 

 to step sidewise, and the instant the foot is relaxed it is 

 held up by the restraint of the right hand on the strap, 

 which is instantly drawn upon. The colt is now on three 

 legs, and unable to resist. 

 Jump lightly on the back, 

 press the feet against the bel- 

 ly and flanks. As there is 

 submission, release the foot, 

 taking a firm hold of the 

 reins, which should be held 

 short. Move the colt for- 

 ward, and if there is an indi- 

 cation of resistance, pull upon 

 the strap and reins, which will 



Hinahlp and HUrnnrert thf Disabling the Colt with a foot- 

 strap to be mounted. 



horse from further opposition 



to being rode. If the colt will not move forward, request 

 an assistant to lead him by the head for a short time. So 

 long as there is any indication of resistance, keep on the 

 strap. One thorough lesson is usually sufficient, though 

 some colts may require a repetition of the lesson. 



When it is desired to mount, let the left hand rest 

 lightly on the mane, a littlef orward of the withers, holding 

 the reins between the thumb and fingers. Throw the 

 right hand lightly on the back, the body close to the horse. 

 Now spring lightly upward and forward. The instant of 

 doing so, let the right hand glide forward until the elbow 

 strikes the backbone, when the weight of the body is to be 

 instantly balanced upon the right arm, which will give 

 sufficient strength to make the spring continuous, and the 

 body is easily brought into a sitting posture. This is a 

 slight undertaking, and a little practice will give the ability 

 to mount the highest horses with apparently wonderful 

 ease. To mount on a saddle, stand by the side, a little 

 back of the stirrup, the face towards the horse's head. 

 Take a short hold of the reins between the fingers, grasp- 

 ing into the mane at the same time, put the left foot into 

 the stirrup, throw the right hand over the saddle and press 

 it against the off side, throwing the weight of the body on 



