214 THE HORSE 



harness, but as I have endeavoured to show that the former should always 

 precede the latter, I shall commence by describing it. In breaking to 

 double harness a steady old horse should be provided, usually called a break- 

 horse. All that is wanted is an animal of good courage and free from vice, 

 who will draw steadily off on the slightest notice and will stop firmly when 

 required. Some old horses which have had a great deal of practice in the 

 break will assist their masters in a wonderful manner. If a colt kicks over 

 the pole they will press against the intruding leg and cause him so much 

 pain that he remains quiet till he is relieved. Indeed it matters not what 

 the attempt is, they defeat it by some counter-manoeuvre ; but these horses 

 are rare and fortunately are by no means essential to success. Before 

 attaching the colt the break-horse should be put to, and it is usual to place 

 him on the near side. Then, having the break conveniently situated for 

 starting, the colt is brought out with a halter on and the cord knotted to his 

 trace-bearer so as to give a good hold in case he plunges or kicks. The 

 pole-piece is then loosely buckled up, after which the inside trace is slipped 

 over the roller bolt, and then the breaksman pushing the quarters forcibly 

 inwards, the outside trace is carefully adjusted and the pole-piece buckled up 

 to its proper length. Quickly but quietly and without fuss the reins are 

 crossed and buckled, and the ends being taken by the breaker he mounts to 

 the box, gives the word to the break-horse to move, and the break is quietly 

 started without any notice to the colt, or effort on his part. In the great 

 majority of instances no resistance is made, and all goes on smoothly for 

 some time. The break should be driven slowly for three or four miles, and 

 then the breaksman who assists the breaker going to the side of the colt, 

 pulls him round by the halter as the breaker drives the break-horse in a 

 wide circle for turning. In returning the horses should be stopped and 

 started again several times, and if the colt is pretty handy the turning 

 may be repeated once or twice, but more than an hour's drive should not 

 be attempted for fear of galling the shoulders, to prevent which the inside 

 of the collar should be well oiled on all occasions just before starting. 

 When taking the young horse out the process of putting to should be 

 exactly reversed. A repetition of this lesson, and constant turning into 

 narrow lanes and crowded streets, together with uphill and downhill work, 

 will soon make the young horse handy in double harness, though for 

 town work a considerable time must elapse before he can be depended on 

 in a crush, especially without a steady companion. No horse should be 

 depended upon until he has been roused either by accidental circum- 

 stances, or, if these do not present themselves, by an application of the 

 whip, for it often happens that a colt will go quietly enough while his 

 temper is unruffled, but when it is once upset he shows fight until he 

 is conquered or himself gains the victory. Now it is far better that this 

 should occur while in the hands of the breaker than after he is sent 

 home as thoroughly perfect in harness. 



WHEN THE COLT has had five or six lessons in double harness, and has 

 been made to show the nature of his temper in the way I have just 

 described, he may safely be put in the shafts, but not till then. The 

 single break is a stoutly-built two-wheeled vehicle, with strong and straight 

 ash shafts. It should be so high as to preclude the possibility of the 

 horse kicking over the drawing-bar ; and though occasionally it will happen 



