HINTS ABOUT SCHOOLING HUNTERS 169 



1. Always set off the colt at first to work to the 



right hand, so that, if he breaks out of the 

 trot, he may lead with the off-leg. 



2. After two minutes, change him to work to the 



left hand, and, if possible, do not let him 

 break. Let him work to the left hand for 

 a minute and a half. 



3. After three minutes and a half, bring him to you 



and fondle him. Young horses, like young 

 children, must be encouraged to learn their 

 lessons. 



4. Eepeat the above process two or three times, 



but stop immediately if the colt shows signs 

 of distress. 



5. Never allow the colt to break from the canter 



into the gallop. 



6. Mark whether in certain paces he strikes or hits 



his legs, in which case he must be lunged in 

 boots or bandages, else inflammation, probably 

 followed by lameness, will ensue. 



We have placed twenty minutes as the outside limit 

 for lunging exercise, which we think quite sufficient 

 in any case. We prefer an uneven to an even surface 

 for lunging, for the same reasons that we prefer an un- 

 even to an even surface for the land on which young 

 horses are reared. As the colt grows accustomed to 

 the lunging rein, he may be lunged over little open 

 drains, and butts of fallen trees. 



