HOW TO TRAIN A HORSE. 213 



driving horse , and these are not necessary unless the animal be intended 

 tor this kind of work, or for racing or trotting. Remember one thing, 

 teach only one lesson at a time. 



Again, let us repeat the caution, never to use undue violence, and 

 never lose your temper, never speak loud, or jerk the reins, or act upon 

 ;5udden impulse. Keep cool. Your object is to train, not break the 

 will. When the animal understands the wish, and performs it, reward it 

 with something it likes, and let it rest; a bit of carrot, or sugar for 

 instance, goes a great way with a young horse. 



IX. The Proper Age for "Work. 



The preliminary training may go forward from the time the colt is six 

 months old, until the age of two years is reached. It will by this time 

 be quite submissive to the will of the tramer, and without fear. A pad, 

 with light stirrup-leathers attached, may be put on, and the colt be 

 allowed to play about the yard with it, at the end of the rein. A well- 

 fitting bridle may be put on, with keys attached to the center of the 

 bit, w ith which the colt may amuse itself. When the colt is one year 

 old and over, the crupper-strap may be put on, and the little animal may 

 be reined loosely to the top of the pad. Later, the side reins maybe 

 put on, and the head gradually Orought into position. 



The colt, if stabled, should be regularly cleaned. His feet should be 

 raised, and the hoofs lightly tapped with a hammer. He should be 

 taughtto lead, walk and trot, beside the trainer. Thus at the age of two 

 years, if well-grown, he will be ready to be trained to light work, or, as it 

 used to be put, "broken to harness," 



Under the course of treatment w'e have laid down, he will have learned 

 the use of the reins, — to go back, or forward, and to turn to the right or 

 left at the word ; and above all, he will have confidence in himself, and 

 no fear of his master. In nine cases out of ten, if the colt has been 

 taught to lead beside a well trained team, and used to the rattling of xhe 

 wagon, he will go off pretty much like an old horse, except for his super- 

 abundant life, the first time he is harnessed. 



X. Harnessing and Driving. 



Two years is the best age for putting the colt to light work. He has 

 better teeth then than at three years old, and has arrived at the. period 

 when careful driving will assist to spread and develop the frame. 



The colt will, of course, first have been taught to allow himself to be 

 harnessed and unharnessed kindly. Put the harness on carefully and 

 hitch him up beside a well-trained horse, usually on the off side, and 

 start the team ; then, if he plunge, he can do no m.ijchief. Tie the dou- 

 ble-tree of the old horse, so that he can pull all the load if necessary 



