The Horse, as Comrade and Friend 



fully and without hesitation ; but on this 

 occasion you must be prepared to have to use 

 rather more force, because the bit may hurt 

 him a little and he may resist. Slack the pull 

 the moment he is down, go to his head and 

 make a fuss of him. He will forget all about 

 the casual nip of the bit. 



Let him get right up, and leave the rein 

 loose on his neck. He will give renewed 

 attention to the bit, which he champs and 

 doesn't like. A few more oats, and stroke 

 his nose and pat his neck. Gently bring the 

 rein past his ears and over his head, and put 

 it back again on his neck. Do this several 

 times, until he takes no notice of it. Then 

 with the rein quite slack, move ahead and 

 he will foUow you. Go through the same 

 manoeuvres as with the halter, until he is in 

 all circumstances perfectly accustomed to the 

 bridle and bit.* 



Now to prepare him for the saddle. Get a 

 rug circingle, show it to him and let him smell 

 it all he wants. Bundle it and let him smell 

 it again. Rub his head with it, then along his 

 neck on to his back. Talk to him all the 

 while. E/un your arms through the rein, until 



* A course of the use of the Cavasson bit for mouthing, to 

 harden the mouth and gums, can be interposed here for those 

 who prefer this system ; but the author has broken so many- 

 horses and ponies to the bit in the simple manner described, 

 giving them quite perfect mouths, that the Cavasson bit 

 course is not essential. 



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