280 THE HANDBOOK FOR PEACTICAL FARMERS 



led. Some trainers prefer the quarters hitch rather than the 

 loin hitch. 



Training to the uses of the hit. — It is perhaps best to train 

 the horse to the uses of the bit when he is about two years of age. 

 The manner in which the horse is educated to the uses of the bit 

 w^ill go far toward determining his usefulness. Inasmuch as the 

 master's desire is conveyed to the mind of the horse through the 

 medimn of hands, reins, bit, and mouth, no progress can be 

 made, and none should be attempted, until this means of com- 

 munication has been established. 



Importance of a good mouth. — No other factor contributes so 



Fig. 148. — Bitting harness for teaching uses of the bit. 



much to the pleasure, comfort, and safety of the driver of a 

 horse as a responsive mouth that promptly obeys the slightest 

 instruction from the master. In general a good mouth is natural 

 to the horse. A bad mouth usually results from improper hand- 

 ling, and often is the cause of many other imperfections, such as 

 a tongue lolling, crossing the jaws, hobbling, and irregular and 

 unsteady gaits, many of which, when well established, are 

 difficult to overcome. 



Bitting the colt. — The young animal can usually be made 

 familiar mth the uses of the bit by the application of the bitting 

 harness, or dumb jockey as it is sometimes called. This bitting 

 harness consists of an open bridle, mth large, smooth bit, a 



