228 MODE OF BREAKING-IN OXEN FOR RIDING. 19, 20 July, 
on the morrow, they quickly trotted out of sight, leaving me much 
pleased at our meeting. 
These oxen are generally broken in for riding, when they are 
not more than a year old. The first ceremony is that of piercing 
their nose to receive the bridle ; for which purpose they are thrown 
on their back, and a slit is made through the septum, or cartilage 
between the nostrils, large enough to admit a finger. In this hole 
is thrust a strong stick stripped of its bark, and having at one end a 
forked branch, to prevent it passing through. To each end of it is 
fastened a thong of hide, of a length sufficient to reach round the 
neck and form the reins ; and a sheep-skin, with the wool on, placed 
across the back, together with another folded up, and bound on witli 
a rem long enough to pass several times round the body, consti- 
tutes the saddle. To this is soraetim{3S added a pair of stirrups, 
consisting only of a thong with a loop at each end, slung across the 
saddle. Frequently the loops are distended by a piece of wood, to 
form an easier rest for the foot. While the animal's nose is still 
sore, it is mounted, and put in training ; and, in a week or two, is 
generally rendered tolerably obedient to its rider. The facility and 
adroitness with which Hottentots manage the ox, has often excited 
my admiration. It is made to walk, trot, or gallop, at the will of its 
