258 The 'Book of the Goat. 



required of him, and moves in any direction but the one 

 in which he is required to go. The difficulty is overcome 

 by practice, however, and the lesson should be gone 

 through twice daily for an hour at a time. 



When the goat has acquired tolerably well the habit 

 of leading straight, and turning to right or left by the 

 guide of the rein, it may be harnessed to the carriage, 

 which should not at first be too heavy, and, of course, 

 have no occupants, the trainer beginning by leading it 

 about, and subsequently driving it with the reins, him- 

 self walking beside or behind the vehicle. It is a good 

 plan, where a large open space is available, to accustom 

 the animal to the carriage and harness and to move freely 

 by letting it go at will with the bit on and its head 

 reined up ; this also gives it a better mouth for driving. 



If a goat be exercised only once a day, this should be 

 done in the morning before it has eaten any grass, or 

 when it has been only lightly fed on chaff and corn, for 

 some of these animals get so "blown " with green food 

 that it is almost impossible to buckle the straps round 

 them. They also go better on a half-empty stomach than 

 on a very full one, besides which, if worked in the latter 

 state, it spoils their " wind." Domestic goats are not 

 long-winded at the best of times, and should, conse- 

 quently, not be driven fast until in good working 

 condition, and even then not for any length of time. 



The harness should consist, besides the reins, of a 

 bridle with bit, a breast-strap, a pad or saddle, with 

 crupper, belly-strap, and shaft-tug to support the shafts. 

 Blinkers are not necessary, though when used they 

 improve the appearance of the little turnout, as does also 

 a nice saddle-cloth under the pad. A small collar may 

 be used in lieu of a breast-strap, and looks more finished, 

 but the latter is easier and quicker to put on, besides 

 being less expensive. A set of harness costs from 2 



