BREAKING. Ill 



good earnest The colt should be bitted, a bit being selected 

 which will not hurt his mouth, and much smaller than those in 

 common use. The work of bitting may perhaps occupy three 

 or four days ; the colt being suffered to amuse himself with the 

 bit, to play, and to champ it for an hour or so during a few 

 successive days. When he has become accustomed to the bit, 

 he may have two long ropes attached to it, slightly fastened 

 to his sides by a loose girth over the back, and his feeder may 

 thus drive him, as it were, around a field, pulling upon him 

 as he proceeds. This will serve as a first lesson in drawing. 

 If he is intended for a saddle-horse, a filled bag may be 

 thrown across his back and there secured, and, after he has 

 become used to this, a crotch may be fastened upon his back, 

 its lower extremities grasping his sides, and thus preparing 

 him for the legs of his rider. 



Portions of the harness may next be put upon him, reserving 

 the blind winkers for the last ; and a few days afterward he 

 may go into the team. It is better that he should be one of 

 three horses, having one before him, and the shaft-horse behind 

 him. There should at first be the mere empty wagon ; and the 

 draught is best begun over the grass, where the colt will not 

 be frightened by the noise of the wheels. Nothing should be 

 done to him, except giving him an occasional pat or a kind 

 word. The other horses will keep him moving and in his place ; 

 and after a short time, sometimes even during the first day, he 

 will begin to pull with the rest. The load may then be gradu- 

 ally increased. 



If the horse is desired for purposes of riding as well as for 

 exclusively agricultural uses, his first lesson may be given when 

 he is in the team ; his feeder, if possible, being the first one put 



