HALTERING AND SADDLING. 9 



minutes, until he has examined his apartment, and 

 has become reconciled to his confinement. And 

 now, while your horse is eating those few ears of 

 corn, see that your halter is ready and all right, and 

 reflect upon the best mode of operations ; for, in 

 horse-breaking, it is highly important that you 

 should be governed by some system. 



THE KIND OF HALTER, AND HOW TO PUT IT ON. 



Never use a rope halter. The cords of the rope 

 are hard, and appear to aggravate and excite distrust 

 rather than confidence; but by all' means procure a 

 leather halter made of bridle leather, so it will feel 

 soft and pliable to the touch, and to fit tolerably 

 tight on the head, so as not to feel uncomfortable. 

 Before putting a halter upon the colt, he must be 

 rendered familiar with it by caressing him and per- 

 mitting him to examine the article with his nose. 

 Then place a portion of it over his head, occasion- 

 ally giving it a slight pull, and in a few minutes he 

 will be accustomed to these liberties, and then the 

 halter may be fastened on properly. To teach him 

 to lead is another difficulty. Stand a little on one 

 side, rub his nose and forehead, take hold of the strap 

 and pull gently, and at the same time touch him very 

 lightly with the end of a long whip across his hind 

 legs. This will make him start and advance a few 

 steps. Repeat the operation several times, and he 

 will soon learn to follow you by simply pulling the 

 halter. The mouth of the colt should be frequently 

 handled, after which introduce a plain snaffle be- 



