BREAKING 



Breaking Bit (plain). 



the same time, and so has not the leisure, even if he 

 possessed the inclination, to do full justice to each of them. 

 A common mistake made far too often is for the breaker 



to ignore the fact that every horse 

 is influenced by its own peculiari- 

 ties, which ought to be studied if a 

 complete success is to be achieved ; 

 and hence the first piece of advice 

 to be given is, study the temper 

 and disposition of the colt, and 

 act accordingly, alvv^ays remembering that though firmness 

 is necessary, ill-treatment and over-bitting are sure to spoil 

 the animal. 



All foals should be accustomed to be handled from a 

 very early age in order that they 

 acquire confidence, and it is, more- 

 over, most desirable that they 

 should be thoroughly used to the 

 feel of a head collar ; hence it is 

 necessary that they should wear 

 these for two or three days a 

 week ; and if they are taught to 

 lead, a good deal of trouble is likely 

 to be saved the breaker. On no account should the colt 

 be thrashed or bullied if he hangs back, or is in any way 

 awkward when first led : persuasion is far better ; but he 

 must not be let off if he refuses to move, else he will get 

 the idea into his head that he, and not the breaker, is 

 master. 



In order to accustom him to the feel of the head collar, 

 the latter, with a piece of cord about 8 or lo feet long 

 attached to it for leading purposes, may be left on the colt 

 when his lesson is over, the cord being tied up in a secure 

 coil and left hanging down. After he leads well, a cavesson, 

 with a long line made of webbing attached to the ring in 

 front of the nose-band, may be substituted for the head 

 collar, and lungeing lessons should begin. The pupil should 



38 



lireakiiig Bit (with keys). 



