Final answer:
Allowing a colt to smell a saddle when being saddled for the first few times helps reduce anxiety and establish trust with the rider.
Step-by-step explanation:
Allowing a colt to smell a saddle when being saddled for the first few times is a common practice due to the associations and senses involved. Smells can trigger memories and emotions in animals, and by allowing the colt to smell the saddle, it can help reduce any anxiety or fear associated with the new experience of being saddled. The smell of the saddle also helps to familiarize the colt with the scent of its rider, which can help establish trust and a positive association with the saddle and riding.