The Gaucho, now holding fast the bridle fixed to the lower jaw, leads the horse outside the corral.

If a second man is present (otherwise the trouble is much greater) he holds the animal's head, whilst the first puts on the horsecloths and saddle, and girths the whole together.

During this operation, the horse, from dread and astonishment at thus being bound round the waist, throws himself over and over again on the ground, and, till beaten, is unwilling to rise.

At last, when the saddling is finished, the poor animal can hardly breathe from fear, and is white with foam and sweat.

The man now prepares to mount by pressing heavily on the stirrup, so that the horse may not lose its balance; and at the moment that he throws his leg over the animal's back, he pulls the slip-knot binding the front legs, and the beast is free.