BREAKING AND TBAINTNG. 181 



the whip inducing him to follow; but he should never be 

 punished nor disgusted. 



If the colt is sujfficiently strong to be ridden, which is not 

 often the case under three years old, and has been ridden, then 

 the best way to train him to jump is to take him out to har- 

 riers or hounds, just to show him them ; when he is accustomed 

 to the sights and sounds, he might follow a lead in a small 

 jump or two — the force of example is most potent, and a lead 

 should always be given until proficiency has been attained. 

 Common sense, firmness, and kindness, will soon effect wonders 

 in teaching jumping ; the object is to give the animal con- 

 fidence in his ability, and rouse a spirit of emulation in him by 

 giving him a lead, letting him get abreast with his leader, and 

 allowing him to lead him after a time. 



Refusing to jump, or " baulking," should, if persisted in, be 

 met with punishment, but only on these occasions; while 

 slovenly jumping should be corrected by making the colt go 

 over something prickly, such as gorse, or a stone wall, a stiff 

 wooden bar, or a felled tree. 



It must be remembered, however, that jumping cannot be 

 perfectly taught some horses — indeed, there are some which are 

 unteachable ; while to others it comes naturally. 



The colt must be ridden quietly at his fences and with 

 somewhat light hands, so as to leave his head easy, allowing 

 him to take his jumps as a matter of course, and merely keep- 

 ing his head straight at them. 



Breaking to Harness is quite as important, if not more so, 

 than breaking to saddle, and requires as much attention, 

 patience, tact, and kindness. The same preliminary training 

 is necessary as regards handling. An easy-fitting, well-stuffed, 

 and smooth-lined collar, opening at the top, should be pro- 

 vided ; it ought to be put on, and the colt exercised in it for a 

 short time, then the other portions of harness may be added, 

 and exercise or longeing given in them. Next day attach 



