BREAKING 



attached to it, and also buckles or rings for the side reins, 



should be put on 

 him ; and for the 

 first time he should 

 have a bit in his 

 mouth. The latter 

 should be smooth 

 and thick, some 

 persons preferring 

 a straight mouth- 

 piece, and others a 

 snaffle ; but what- 

 ever may be the 

 pattern selected, 

 the bit should fit 

 easily, and there 

 should be guards 

 at the cheek to 

 prevent the colt 

 drawing it through 

 his mouth. It is 

 best to let him stand for an hour or so, in order to get accus- 

 tomed to the feel of the bit and surcingle, and then he can 

 be taken out and lunged as before. As soon as he goes 

 steadily, which may take some days, the side reins may be 

 fastened on each side from the bit to the surcingle, loosely 

 at first and gradually tighter, so that he is taught to carry 

 his head, and to become resigned to the control of the rein. 

 After the colt has learned to go steady under the above 

 conditions, long reins may be substituted for the webbing 

 line, and he can be used to be directed by the reins, so that 

 he will turn or stop as the breaker desires, and understand 

 the reason for the pressure that is brought to bear on him. 



Whilst the above course of schooling is in progress, the 

 colt may be gradually introduced to the excitements of the 

 road by being led about on the highways along which other 

 animals and vehicles pass. It is safer, however, to lunge 



40 



Breaking-roller. 



