114 BREAKING. 



paces. Next to preserving the temper and docility of the horse, 

 there is nothing of so much importance, as to teach him every 

 pace and every part of his duty distinctly and thoroughly. 

 Each should constitute a separate and sometimes long-continued 

 lesson, taught by a man who will never allow his passion to 

 overmaster his discretion. 



After the cavesson has been attached to the headstall, and 

 the long reins put on, the colt should be quietly led about by 

 the breaker — a steady boy following behind, to keep him moving 

 by occasional threatening with the whip, but never by an actual 

 blow. When the animal follows readily and quietly, he may be 

 taken to the ring and walked around, right and left, in a very 

 small circle. Care should be taken to teach him this pace 

 thoroughly, never allowing him to break into a trot. The boy 

 with his whip may here again be necessary, but an actual blow 

 should never be inflicted. 



Becoming tolerably perfect in the walk, he should be quick- 

 ened to a trot, and kept steadily at it; the whip and the boy, 

 if needful, urging hira on, and the cavesson restraining him. 

 These lessons should be short, the pace being kept perfect and 

 distinct in each, and docility and improvement rewarded with 

 frequent caresses, and handfuls of corn. The length of the 

 rein may now be gradually increased, and the pace quickened, and 

 the time extended, until the animal becomes tractable in these 

 his first lessons; toward the conclusion of which, crupper straps, 

 or something similar, may be attached to the clothing. These, 

 playing about the sides and flanks, accustom him to the flapping 

 of the coat of the rider. The annoyance which they occasion 

 will pass over in a day or two ; for when the animal learns by 

 experience that no harm comes from them, he will cease to re-? 

 gard them. 



