358 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



This may not look very nice, but will answer the purpose all right and 

 will often save the breaking of a good buggy. An open bridle is best, for 

 when broken in an open bridle they will usually go all right in blinders. 

 Always start a colt with an easy bit, for a severe bit that will irritate the 

 mouth will often make them misbehave where they would otherwise go 

 all right. When first hitching a colt always use a harness with a breech- 

 ing, so they will get used to it along with the rest of the harness. Now- 

 before hitching it is best to put the hopples on, and then, should he do 

 anything wrong, you have something to protect yourself, and if he goes 

 all right you do not need to use them. Some people object to the use of 

 hopples, but they are very useful, as they will teach a colt to stand in a 

 much shorter time than can otherwise be done. 



When hitching the first time, be sure and not frighten the colt, as 

 success much depends on the first time Hitched. As soon as the colt is 

 gotten into the shafts and everything is securely fastened, get on the 

 cart and start the colt off as quietly as possible. Should he attempt to 

 run or do anything out of place, a gentle pull on the hopples will 

 straighten him up all right. Keep him at a moderate speed, stopping 

 occasionally, and, above all things, do not overdo a colt. About two 

 hours will be sufficient for the first lesson. Many people think they 

 should wear a colt out just on the start, but this is a mistake. Kind 

 treatment and moderate driving will accomplish more in less time. The 

 colt should receive these lessons every day until thoroughly accustomed 

 to driving. Should a colt have a tendency to shy, never whip him for it, 

 for if you do he will shy worse next time. In getting a colt accustomed 

 to the cars do not go too close at first, but gradually drive a little closer 

 each time until he will finally stand quite close without fear. Should a 

 colt get his tail over the line do not pull on the line, for if you do he 

 will soon learn to grip it, and cause trouble. .Just slacken it, and you 

 can usually get it out without any trouble. 



In teaching a colt to back when hitched, do it in much the same way 

 as when driving with the lines, being careful not to expect him to back 

 too quick. In bringing a colt in after being driven never do up the lines 

 first, then the tugs, and last the hold backs; but always do up the tugs 

 first, then the holdbacks, and, last, the lines. So much for the colt in 

 single harness. 



Now a few words about hitching double. It is best to hitch with 

 some well broken horse that is a good walker and never with some lazy 

 old skin that has to be whipped to get to move out of his tracks. A colt 

 that has any life or snap in him wilj in nine times out of ten be utterly 

 ruined. Use much in the same way as when hitched single. If colts are 

 heavy enough, it is well to do some light work as they will learn just as 

 fast and. besides, will pay for the handling, and even light horses often 

 make better horses if used at some light work. In teaching a colt to 

 draw, load light at first and keep increasing the load as you see he is 

 able to handle it; encourage him to go up on the line and start easy, and 

 be sure and not put a load behind him that he can not handle, neither 

 put him in a place where he has not good footing. After being nicely 



