TRAINING OF HORSES. 43 
foot, commence turning him from side to side and urg- 
ing him forward. If he is unwilling to start, take a 
short bow-top whip or switch, holding it in the same 
hand with which you hold the foot-strap, and gently 
touch him with it on the off hind-leg, just back of the 
stifle, gradually increasing the blows until he starts, at 
the same time loosening the reins. In turning him, use 
caution and do not pull upon but one rein at a time, for the 
reason that, if you pull upon both, the colt will be apt to 
run backward, sideways, and otherwise act awkwardly. 
Do not ride him at a distance the first time. This les- 
son with the foot-strap should be repeated three or four 
times, until the colt is accustomed to your presence on 
his back, and your legs against his side. Having never 
been thrown from a colt since we adopted this plan, we 
firmly believe that no better method of training a colt to 
ride is known. We deem the old and tedious process of 
pelting and coaxing, using blocks, etc., to be entirely 
useless, as it will be seen at a glance that by this process 
we run no risk of. injury to ourselves or the animal, and 
at the same time readily obtain entire submission to our 
control, 
TO MOUNT THE COLT. 
Take hold of the mane with your left hand, placing 
the right hand upon the back; then springing lightly, 
raise yourself upon your wrists until your middle reaches 
the height of the horse’s withers, when as you lean over 
the horse, with a quick spring you throw your weight 
upon your wrists, and pulling strongly with your arms 
