236 



HORSE SENSE. 



gers of one hand between the point of the shoulder and the breast bone 

 and using the other hand at the halter strap to simply keep the colt 

 straight in line, to back in any desired direction. Don't try to force the 

 colt backwards by "yanking" at the halter or bit, but simply press in 

 this sensitive chest cavity with the fingers and the colt will naturally go 

 backwards, provided there is nothing of an obstruction behind it. When 

 this pressure has been made at the front and the colt has moved back- 

 wards (if it is only one step) it should be rewarded for this action; then 

 try it again. About the third time this pressure has been made is a 

 good time to associate the word back! with the pressure, and the reader 

 will be surprised to see how soon the colt will comprehend what is 

 wanted, and how willingly the young thing complies with our every wish 

 as soon as it understands what is wanted. 



Fig 9 exemplifies how Betsy, at twelve days of age, be( ame so -well acquainted 

 with the umbrella and other objects while lying on the grass that she pre- 

 ferred to eat the latter instead of getting frightened at the umbrella. 

 See how contented she is. 



DRIVING THE YOUNG COLT WITH LINES. 



Just as soon as the colt fully understands the backing movement 

 thoroughly is a verv opportune time to begin driving with lines, and 

 to do this successfully a surcingle (crupper and check may be well) 

 nicely adjusted is required. The surcingle must be provided with loops 

 or rings on each side, placed below the center line of the body and the 

 lines passed through these and secured to the rings of the halter (never 

 use a bit in the mouth of the very younp colt if it can possibly be 

 helped), and then the lines will draw or pass the hind quarters low down 

 to prevent the colt from turning with its head towards the educator. 

 It is very important to keep the reins low in turning to make the 

 guiding process easy The tutor can walk very close to the colt's heels 

 in the beginning, so as to encourage it in its forward movement with a 



