MOUTHING AND DRIVING IN LONG REINS 45 



long-reining absolutely eradicates it. You see, it is 

 better to break the colt by himself than a new " Wind- 

 over " or " Potter " governess car as well. So pay no 

 attention to the colt's kicks and struggles, but just 

 have hold of the reins good and tight, and let him see 

 you can hold him and that you are the master. 



I hope it is quite clear from what I have said that 

 you do not on any account stand directly behind the 

 colt when you are driving in long reins, but always in 

 the middle of your imaginary circle, making him pass 

 round you from left to right. The effect of driving 

 from behind would be that you, while walking on your 

 own legs, would not have enough power to control the 

 colt should he plunge forward. 



The next lesson is to teach the command, " Whoa ! " 

 The meaning of " whoa " will only be understood by the 

 colt when it is associated with an action. The first 

 time you use the command be sure that you are in a 

 position to follow with the proper action ; start the 

 colt with the command " Get up ! " Compel him to go 

 in a large circle to the left ; keep an equal pressure on 

 both reins, giving your entire attention to keeping him 

 going forward until you are quite ready to stop him 

 (you should stop him the first two or three times at the 

 same spot ; this will aid you in conveying your idea to 



