54 RIDING. 



short hold of this strap with the right 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 belly and flanks. 

 As there is submission release 

 the foot, taking ,a firm hold of 

 the reins, which should be held 

 short. Move the colt forward, 

 and as there is an indication of ^ 

 resistance pull upon the strap ^ 

 and reins, which will disable and 

 disconcert the horse from further (Mounting the Coiu 



opposition to being rode. If the colt will not move for- 

 ward, 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 suffi- 

 cient, 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 little forward 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 back bone, when the weight of the body is to be 

 instantly balanced upon the right arm, which will enable 

 sufficient strength to make the spring continuous, and the 

 body is easily brought into a sitting posture. This is 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, grasping 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 the left 

 foot, and you can lift yourself into the saddle easily. 



