110 



BREAKING. 



BKEAKING. 



BEEAKINQ. 



No greater mistake can be made than the postponement 

 of this part of the rearing of a horse. It should always 

 commence as soon as the colt is weaned, or immediately after 

 the effects of the emasculation have disappeared ; it should 



in this manner be commenced 

 and carried on gradually, with 

 gentleness and kind- 

 ness. The foal should 

 be daily handled, par- 

 tially dressed, accus- 

 tomed to the halter 

 when led about, and 

 even tied up occasion- 

 ally for an hour or so. 

 The tractability, good temper, and value of the horse depend 

 much more upon this than most breeders consider. The person 

 who feeds the colt should have the entire management of him 

 at this period, and he should be a trustworthy person, possessed 

 of a quiet, uniform temper and a kindly disposition. Many 

 a horse is spoiled and rendered permanently untamable by 

 early harshness or improper treatment ; and many a horse that 

 otherwise would have proved a vicious, unmanageable brute, 

 has been brought to be a docile, gentle, and affectionate ser- 

 vant by the judicious treatment of those to whose charge his 

 management at this particular period was fortunately in- 

 trusted. 



Such a treatment is sufficient for the first year; after the 

 second winter, the operation of training should commence in 



