170 THE ORANGE COUNTY 



ing, the colt is brought out with a halter on and the cord 

 knotted to t his tracebearer, so as to give a good hold in case 

 he plunges or kicks. The pole-piece is then loosely buckled 

 up, after which the inside trace is slipped over the roller bolt, 

 and then the breaksman, pushing the quarters forcibly 

 inwards, the outside trace is carefully adjusted and the pole- 

 piece buckled up to its proper length. Quickly but quietly 

 and without fuss the reins are crossed and buckled, and the 

 ends being taken by the breaker he mounts to the box, gives 

 the word to the break-horse to move, and the break is quietly 

 started without any notice to the colt, or effort on his part. 

 In the great majority of instances no resistance is made, and 

 all goes on smoothly for some time. The break should be 

 driven slowly for three or four miles, and then the breaksman 

 who assists the breaker going to the side of the colt pulls him 

 round by the halter as the breaker drives the break-horse in 

 a wide circle for turning. In returning the horses should be 

 stopped and started again several times, and if the colt is 

 pretty handy the turning may be repeated once or twice, but 

 more than an hour's drive should not be attempted for fear 

 of galling the shoulders, to prevent which the inside of the 

 collar should be well oiled on all occasions just before start- 

 ing. When taking the young horse out, the process of put- 

 ting to should be exactly reversed. A repetition of this 

 lesson, and constant turning into narrow lanes and crowded 

 streets, together with uphill and downhill work, will soon 

 make the young horse handy in double harness, though for 

 town work a considerable time must elapse before he can be 

 depended upon in a crush, especially without a steady com- 

 panion. No horse should be depended upon until he has been 

 roused either by accidental circumstances, or, if these do not 

 present themselves, by an application of the whip, for it often 

 happens that a colt will go quietly enough while his temper 

 is unruffled, but when it is once upset he shows fight until he 

 is conquered or himself gains the victory, Now it is far bet- 

 ter that this should occur while in the hands of the breaker 

 than after he is sent home as thoroughly perfect in harness. 

 When the colt has had six lessons in double harness, he 

 may be put in the shafts. The single-break is a strong two- 

 wheeled vehicle, with straight tough shafts. It should be 

 high enough to keep the horse from kicking over the draw- 

 ing bar. No bearing-rein should be employed; and the tugs 

 should be made open above, so as to drop the shafts into 

 them. A kicking-strap and safety-rein should be used, for 

 fear of accidents. Beyond these expedients, nothing more is 

 required than time and practice. 



