TRAINING. 349 



positions, who destroy their temper by cruelty and inju- 

 dicious severity. Others again are taught all manner of 

 tricks for the gratification of idle folly. Tractability, 

 steadiness, and good temper are the qualities for which 

 a horse is chiefly valuable to man ; so that the utmost 

 attention should be paid by breeders to points on which de- 

 pend so much of the safety and comfort of those who may 

 become their owners. Indeed gentle treatment has been 

 more effectual in taming wild animals than any other. 



Much difference of opinion prevails as to the time which 

 horses ought to be worked. My unalterable belief is, that 

 at three years is the earliest period at which a horse should 

 be used either for the turf, hunting, the road, or harness ; 

 consequently breaking-in should not be completed until 

 after the second winter, although of course it ought to be 

 gone about gradually from his weaning. A bit should be 

 selected with a plain snaflle, that will not hurt his mouth, 

 and it ought to be of a small size, in the centre of which 

 should be attached a stabbering-bit, which, resting gently 

 upon the tongue, excites the horse to move his jaws, and 

 prevents him from pressing too heavily upon it, as this 

 would deaden and harden the mouth, which is one of the 

 worst faults a horse can have. He should be accustomed 

 to the use of it in his mouth for some days before the hand 

 of the trainer is applied to it. He ought then to be led out, 

 and gently checked by it when he is getting too playful, 

 until by degrees he will bear its control without manifesting 

 irritation. 



After the colt has thus been partially broken-in, the next 

 thing to teach him is implicit obedience to his instructor. 

 This should be effected by steadiness and firmness, while 

 severity should be carefully avoided He should be spoken 

 to in a soothing, rather than an angry tone of voice. He 



