From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 41
"I have no fears for myself," answered George; "there is no danger in trying to get upon his back that I see,
and once there, I will risk being thrown."
"That is so," continued his friend, "and suppose we try it some day."
After some more discussion upon the subject, George agreed to make the attempt to mount the colt early the
following morning, and his young friend seconded his decision heartily.
The next morning, a full hour before breakfast-time, the boys were out, eager to participate in the sport of
conquering a wild colt. The colt appeared to snuff trouble, for he was unusually gay and crank that morning.
His head and tail were up, as he went prancing around the field, when the boys put in their appearance.
"Drive him into a corner!" exclaimed George.
"Drive the wind into a corner as easily," replied one of the boys, just beginning to appreciate the difficulties of
the situation.
"Well, he must be caught before he can be mounted," said George, philosophically. "I did not promise to
mount him until he was bridled."
"That is so," responded another boy, more hopeful of results. "That corner yonder is a good place for the
business," pointing to the eastward.
So they all rallied to drive the colt into the proposed corner; and, in the language of another who has described
the scene, "after a deal of chasing and racing, heading and doubling, falling down and picking themselves up
again, and more shouting and laughing than they had breath to spare for, they at last succeeded in driving the
panting and affrighted young animal into the corner. Here, by some means or other (it was difficult to tell
precisely how) they managed to bridle him, although at no small risk of a broken head or two from his heels,
that he seemed to fling about him in a dozen different directions at once."
"Lead him away from this corner," said one of the boys.
"Yes," answered George, "we must go well toward the centre of the field; he will want room to throw me."
So, throwing the bridle-reins over the colt's neck, and taking hold of the bridle close by the bits, the animal
was led toward the centre of the field.
Before the boys or the colt were aware of George's purpose, with one bound he leaped upon the colt's back,
and, seizing the reins, was prepared for the worst. His playmates were as much astonished as the animal was
at this unexpected feat, and they rushed away to escape disaster.
"Look out, George!" shouted one, as the colt reared and stood upon his hind legs.
"He'll throw you, George, if you don't look out!" screamed another, as the animal reversed his position and
sent his hind legs high into the air.
"Stick, George, stick!" they cried, as the colt dashed forward like the wind a few rods, then stopped, reared,
and kicked again, as if determined to throw the rider. All the while George's companions were alarmed at the
fearful plunges of the animal, fearing that he would dash him to the ground.
At length the furious beast took the bits between his teeth and plunged forward upon the "dead run." George
had no control over him as he dashed forward like mad. He hung to the reins like a veteran horseman as the