39 



in a right position. When the horse has become 

 somewhat used to the bit, you should buckle the 

 stays a little shorter, and let him wear it so for a 

 short time. He will soon find out that he cannot 

 lower his head, and, as his mouth will be rather ten- 

 der, he will naturally raise his head to take off the 

 pressure of tae bit from his mouth. You thus give 

 voluntary exercise to the muscles of the neck, and 

 in a short time it becomes natural and easy for the 

 horse to carry his head well up. Every time you 

 put on the bitting, you can shorten your straps a lit- 

 tle, until he carries his head in the right position. 



Sai^nessiiig; tlie Colt for tlie First Xime. 



If the colt is shy about allowing you to put on the 

 harness, upon backing him out of the stall first put 

 the cord around his neck, with running loop in the 

 mouth, ( same as for bitting ) and give him a sharp 

 pull side wise, at the same time repeat the word whoa, 

 also gently pat him upon the neck. Now lead him 

 to the place on the barn floor where you wish to have 

 him stand while harnessing, quietly take down your 

 harness from the pegs ; if the colt m.oves from his 

 position, lay down your harness and give him two 

 or three more sharp pulls with the cord, at the same 

 time, with a firmness, repeat the word whoa ; do not 

 speak too loud, be careful in pulling him around not 

 to hurt him ; a few pulls with the cord, patting and 

 caressing about the neck and face, frequently repeat- 

 ing the word whoa, will so quiet him, that you will 



