112 HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



habit of readily stopping, starting, driving and obey- 

 ing the reins has been formed. If yoa adopt this 

 rule, no colt will balk, throw himself down in harness, 

 run into a fence, or refuse to stand while the driver 

 is getting into the carriage. When sufficient time 

 has elapsed to warrant vou in undertaking to teach 

 him to back, take a common bridle — a bitting 

 bridle is best — and begin by taking hold of the 

 side reins, standing in front of the colt, gently push- 

 ing backward, saying, " Back" at the same time ho 

 steps back. This you will repeat, until \w, readily 

 takes two or three steps backward, when you will 

 release him for the present. At the next trial, you 

 may put on the reins and take your position behind 

 him, passing the reins through the side rings of the 

 strap, or, if obliged to use a harness, passing the reins 

 through the shaft straps, liolding the reins well down 

 by his side, to prevent him from turning round and 

 facing you. Have him locscly checked. As you step 

 behind him, pull gently on the reins, and as he steps 

 backward, say, " Back," and immediatel}- slacken tho 

 reins. A half an liour's exercise is usually sufficient 

 at a time, repeating the operation until he backs 

 readily. It is well, to give him one or two sharp 

 steady pulls, for eight or ten feet backward, just be- 

 fore leaving him each time. Ho is now ready to be 

 hitched up, as you usually hitch up your horses, and 



