232 HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



during the second year, it will readily yield to the halter, and 

 so continue through life. 



At three years old, colts should be taught the use of the 

 bridle and check. By using a crupper and girt, properly at- 

 tached, their heads can be kept in just the position you wish. 

 You should never check a colt when it is fastened by the halter, 

 but let some one hold it, and let it play about as much as it 

 pleases at first. It should never be checked long at a time, as 

 it may become knee-sprung ; half an hour at a time will do the 

 work, if checked two or three times a week for a few months. 

 Let it loose in the yard or field, if you please, after the first 

 time, or lead it by the halter, as it will now be very fond of 

 your friendship, and will many times follow you without the 

 halter. To learn it to back, gently jerk it with the reins of 

 the bridle. 



Taking it for granted that by this time the colt has been 

 fastened in the stable, enough to learn it by the use of the rod 

 to stand on the side of the stable you wish, or in other words, 

 made to fear the whip more than anything else, at three years 

 old put on the harness when in the stable, an hour or two at a 

 time for a few days, until all fear of the harness has disappeared. 

 Then lead it about with the harness on, until it appears natural. 

 Then put on the reins, and begin to drive about. Let it go 

 very much as it chooses, keeping it near the course you desire, 

 by an occasional crack of the whip, but not upon the colt, re- 

 membering that you have already taught it to fear the whip by 

 using it in the stable. Practise by driving with the harness on 

 for a short time each day. Learn it to go and stop at com- 

 mand, until it is perfectly manageable and yields readily to the 

 reins. This done, a light stone boat is the safest and best 

 vehicle to use ; if it is made of boards it is just as well, to ac- 

 custom it to the draw-strap about its legs, and learn it to draw 

 with the empty boat at first, practise it on the boat a short time 

 each day, until you learn it to stand still and go at your bid- 

 ding. Increase the load by putting on stone, earth or muck, 

 as convenient, letting it draw the increased load a short distance ; 

 then unload, never forcing it to draw a load, but let its am- 

 bition be raised, which encourages it to do your bidding. Prac- 



