TRAINING. 295 



months old, provided that he has been " gentled " almost 

 from its birth. This can be done by frequently passing the 

 hands over his body and down his limbs, dressing his mane 

 and tail, pulling and stroking his ears, speaking caressingly 

 to him, and in short winning his confidence by uniform 

 manifestations of kindness and good will. 



The earliest trappings should be a small bridle and 

 surcingle* made of very soft wash-leather, or calico — the 

 intention being merely to indicate the maturer harness 

 that is destined to succeed. Later on, when a cavesson is 

 adopted, it must be most carefully fitted to the colt's head. 

 The noseband is not to be too high, lest it be deprived 

 of power — or yet low enough to rest on the soft cartilages of 

 the nose, for fear of impeding respiration and causing pain 

 to the animal by any jerk that it may chance to receive. 

 It must also fit sufficiently accurately not to turn round 

 when the rein is drawn tight. 



The first regular bit employed should be made of india- 

 rubber, and this may be immediately followed by a very 

 smooth plain snaffle, with players, or a " Rarey " bit, 

 with wooden roller, which is very mild and nice for a 

 beginner. 



When you first adjust the mouthpiece do not rein the 

 colt's head up to any point beyond that at which he 

 naturally holds it : no matter whether that be high or low. 

 Give him his preliminary lessons in an enclosed place — a 

 big barn or riding-school will be best, if you happen to be 

 near one. Accustom your pupil to the sight of everytJdng 

 with which he is destined to make subsequent acquaint- 



