FARM CONVEYANCES 193 



alongside of an old, steady horse. But it is generally 

 conceded that in no case should a colt be made fast in 

 such a way that he could kick himself loose. Different 

 farmers have different ideas in regard to training colts, 

 but these breaking carts with extra long shafts are very 

 much used in some parts of the country. The shafts 

 are heavy enough so that the colts may be tied down to 

 make kicking impossible. A rope or heavy strap reach- 



Figure 169. Colt-Breaking Sulky. The axle and hind wheels of 

 a light wagon, two strong straight-grained shafts about 4 feet too 

 long, a whiffletree and a spring seat are the principal parts of a colt 

 breaking sulky. The shafts and seat are thoroughly well bolted and 

 clipped to the axle and braced against all possible maneuvers of the 

 colt. The traces are made so long that the colt cannot reach any- 

 thing to kick, and he is prevented from kicking by a strap reaching 

 from one shaft up over his hips and down to the other shaft. In 

 this rig the colt is compelled to go ahead because he cannot turn 

 around. The axle should be longer than standard to prevent up- 

 setting when the colt turns a corner at high speed. 



ing from one shaft to the other over the colt's hips will 

 keep its hind feet pretty close to the ground. Any rig 

 used in connection with a colt should be strong enough 

 to withstand any strain that the colt may decide to put 

 upon it. If the colt breaks something or breaks loose, 

 it takes him a long time to forget the scare. Farm boys 

 make these breaking carts by using wheels and hind 

 axles of a worn-out buggy. This is well enough if the 

 wheels are strong and shafts thoroughly bolted and 

 braced. It is easy to make a mistake with a colt. To 

 prevent accidents it is much better to have the harness 

 and wagon amply strong. 



