Breaking young colts was a somewhat crude process. Not being of the same
value as better bred stock they were rather roughly treated. If you have
a number to break you will hire a professional "bronco-buster"; for some
five dollars a head he will turn them back to you in a remarkably short
time, bridle-wise, accustomed to the saddle and fairly gentle. But he
does not guarantee against pitching. Some colts never pitch at all
during the process, do not seem to know how; but the majority do know,
and know well! The colt is roped in a corral by the forefeet, jerked
down, and his head held till bridled; or he is roped round the neck,
snubbed to a post and so held till he chokes himself by straining on the
running loop. As soon as he falls a man jumps on to his head and holds
it firmly in such a way that he cannot get up, and someone slips on the
Hackamore bridle. Thus you will see that a horse lying on its side
requires his muzzle as a lever to get him on his feet. Then he is
allowed to rise and to find, though he may not then realize it, that his
wild freedom is gone from him for ever. He is trembling with fright and
excitement, and sweating from every pore. To get the saddle on him he is
next blindfolded. A strong man grasps the left ear and another man
slowly approaches and, after quietly and kindly rubbing and patting him,
gently puts the saddle blanket in place; then the huge and heavy saddle
with all its loose strings and straps is carefully hoisted and adjusted,
and the cinch drawn up. In placing the blanket and the saddle there will
likely be several failures. He will be a poor-spirited horse that does
not resent it. Now take off the blinders and let him pitch till he is
tired. Then comes the mounting. He is blinded again, again seized by the
ear, the cinch pulled very tight, and the rider mounts into the saddle.
It may be best first to lead him outside the corral, so that he can run
right off with his man if he wants to. But he won't run far, as he soon
exhausts himself in his rage and with his tremendous efforts to dismount
his rider. A real bad one will squeal like a pig, fall back, roll over,
kick and apparently tie himself into knots. If mastered the first time
it is a great advantage gained. But should he throw his rider once,
twice or several times he never forgets that the thing is at least
possible, and so he may repeat his capers for a long time to come. All
cow-horses have ever afterwards a holy dread of th