74 



HINTS ON HORSES 



Saddlery. 



The Marquis of Newcastle describes the 

 saddles shown in Fig. 26 as the best. A very 

 similar saddle can be easily made, on which 

 to teach youngsters to ride. 



Place a piece of numnah on the pony's 

 back (Fig. 44). Seat the child thereon. Place 

 the child's leg in the correct position, and 

 with a piece of chalk draw on the numnah (a) 

 a line showing where the upper outline of 

 the child's thigh will be. Then roll up a piece 

 b 



Straps or tapes 

 for macintosh. 



Breast 

 collar. 



Fig. 44. 



of blanket, cover it with soft leather or basil, 

 and sew it to the numnah above and exactly 

 following the chalk line {b). The child will 

 derive great benefit from this "knee roll." 



When the pony stops, instead of sliding for- 

 ward on to the pony's withers, his thighs will 

 be checked and kept in their proper place, 

 and he will soon learn to grip with his legs 

 correctly placed. 



In training a youngster's pony it is often 

 well to teach the animal to travel whilst you 

 are level with his flanks, and not leading him 

 by the head. With a small pony this is easily 

 done. If you are walking on the near side of 

 the pony lean your right arm over his loins, 

 thereby forming a cantle as in the Marquis of 

 Newcastle's saddle— hold a rein in each hand, 

 and use your arms to keep him up in the same 

 manner as you would use your legs. You will 

 soon find the pony go up to his bit. Now, 

 when you put up the youngster you will find 

 the benefit. The child will be in front of you. 

 Your right arm will be hugging the child, 

 giving him confidence. With your two hands 

 you will be able to place the child's thighs and 

 knees in correct position, and teach him to 

 grip. You will have the reins, and teach the 

 child to acquire a seat before ever he has 

 reins in his hands. This is the secret of good 



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