BREAKING AND RIDING 219 



go to the right. After a touch with the whip 

 and both reins held evenly they soon grow 

 to understand means that they are to move 

 forward. 



In a few days, with firm handling, the colt can 

 be girthed with a surcingle or pad. A horse- 

 cloth he soon grows accustomed to, also stirrups. 

 Nor does he mind his legs handled and feet 

 taken up — being affectionate, he finally becomes 

 attached to his breaker. 



The lunging lesson has taught him a con- 

 siderable amount of obedience. But a horse 

 should be accustomed to a breaking-bit before 

 he is taken out of a stable, with a dumb-jockey 

 on his back. 



When you first put on a breaking-bit, only rein 

 his head to that point he naturally carries it — 

 let it be hio^h or low. He will find that he 

 cannot lower his head, and that raising it will 

 loosen the bit. By degrees tighten the rein 

 until you get his head and neck as near the 

 position as the conformation of his neck and 

 shoulder will allow, without irritating his temper. 



If you rein him too tightly during the first 

 lesson, he will paw, sweat, and perhaps rear. 



Horses should never be on a tightly buckled 

 rein for more than half-an-hour, as a longer time 

 destroys all good effects. 



A young horse's mouth should be wetted before 

 he is bitted, and he should have a drink of water 

 when the bit is taken off, and his neck gently 

 patted. 



Before a colt is mounted he can be taught a 



