320 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



winter, although, of course, it ought to be gone about 

 gradually from his weaning. A bit should be selected 

 with a plain snaffle, that will not hurt his mouth, and 

 it ought to be of a small size, in the centre of which 

 should be attached a stabbering-bit, which, resting 

 gently upon the tongue, excites the horse to move his 

 jaws, and prevents him from pressing too heavily upon 

 it, as this would deaden and harden the mouth, which 

 is one of the worst faults a horse can have. He 

 should be accustomed to the use of it in his mouth for 

 some days before the hand of the trainer is applied to 

 it. He ought then to be led out, and gently checked 

 by it when he is getting too playful, until by degrees 

 he will bear its control without manifesting irritation. 



After the colt has thus been partially broken-in, the 

 next thing to teach him is implicit obedience to his in- 

 structor. This should be effected by steadiness and 

 firmness, while severity should be carefully avoided. 

 He should be spoken to in a soothing, rather than an 

 angry tone of voice. He must be taught to know the 

 effect of the whip and spur, but their uses must be 

 administered with much caution ; and only showing 

 him that we have the power of enforcing submission. 



If a young horse refuses to allow the bit to be 

 placed in his mouth, it must not be attempted to ac- 

 complish it by force, because this will only redouble 

 the resistance. Coaxing and gentle trials day after 

 day will be the quickest means of accomplishing the 

 object. When it has been effected, then kindness 

 should be shown him, and caresses used. A head- 

 stall is now put on him, and a cavesson is then affixed 

 to it, with long reins. The cavesson is an apparatus 

 intended to confine and pinch the nose ; but this being 

 a powerful and severe instrument, it should be used 

 gently. Instances have been known of the bones and 



