LOUNGING. 91 



185. — At two years old it may be brought in, and after being 

 shut in a loose box or some secure enclosure, until reconciled to the 

 absence of its companions, it may be tied up again with the same 

 precautions as at first (IS-t). After being thus well accustomed to 

 the restraint of the common leather halter, it should have a nicely 

 fitting cavessou adjusted to its head, with the noseband low enough 

 to give some power over the colt's movements, but not low enough 

 to interfere with his breathing, or to press painfully on the soft 

 cartilages of the nose. If the colt has not been taught to lead, it 

 may then be driven into a well-fenced yard or large enclosure. 

 There a long soft hne of web or leather may be attached to the 

 front ring on the oavesson, and the colt be started to move round 

 you where the fences will prevent his pulling away from you, and 

 enforce obedience to your pull on the cavesson. When made 

 obedient to the cavesson on both sides, put on a bridle, or attach 

 a bit to the cavesson. Whatever bit is used, it should be large 

 and very smooth, and have large guards at the side, so that it 

 cannot be drawn through its mouth. After a little lounging on 

 both sides with the bit and a little time to freely play with the bit 

 in its mouth, it may be put into the stall, with its hind quarters 

 to the manger, and the bit fastened to the post on each side of the 

 stall, at the natural level of the head, so that it can only move its 

 head a few inches either way without being restrained by the bit. 

 An hour at a time on three successive days will be long enough 

 for this, as in that time the colt will be under the firm conviction 

 that it cannot resist a pull on either side of its mouth, or go 

 forward against the bit ; a delusion you must take care not to 

 dispel by any after handling. 



186. — After these lessons in the stall, take the colt into a 

 shed, or large enclosure of any kind, and get it to walk round you. 

 Hold it first by the rein fastened to the left side of the bit, by 

 which you give the colt a side pull before he reaches a corner, and 

 turn him round towards you. Try how little force will fetch him 

 round, and use no more, but firmly bring him round at any rate. 

 After a httle practice on that side, buckle the line on the right 

 side of the bit, and walk him round in the other direction, guiding 

 him as before. It does not matter what pace he goes, the object 



