Breaking Colts 81 



and traces should be attached and arranged so that they 

 will not flop, and the colt hitched up with a reliable, but 

 quick-acting horse. It is a mistake to hitch, a quick, 

 active colt with a slow, lazy horse; his actions will be 

 very irritating and confusing to the colt. After being 

 driven double a while, the pair may be attached to a sub- 

 stantial vehicle. When hitching a colt up double for 

 the first time, it is a good plan to keep a pair of single 

 lines on the colt's bridle, which can be handled by an 

 assistant. 



In hitching up double, a good, heavy wagon is pref- 

 erable, and especially one with a brake. The colt 

 should be placed on the "off" side, as he is more easy 

 to manage there, and can be touched with the whip 

 better. After the colt is familiar with the harness, 

 wagon and equipment, he can be hitched up single. 

 Some horse -trainers prefer to break the colt in shafts 

 before hitching him up double. A breaking cart for 

 hitching up colts single should be substantial, with long, 

 heavy thills, and the seat arranged behind so that the 

 driver can get on and off quickly. The colt should be 

 hitched far enough forward in the shafts so that he can- 

 not kick to do any damage. A strap (commonly called 

 a kick -strap), attached to each shaft and passed over 

 the colt's croup, should always be used until the colt is 

 well accustomed to the thills. 



When the colt is first hitched up single in a two- 

 wheeled cart, an attendant should hold him until the 

 driver is ready, then he should be allowed to go. As 

 soon as he becomes familiar with the cart, he should 

 be compelled to stand until he is told to start. 



