MANAGEMENT OF BKOOD MARES. 103 



young one and the latter will fret and worry. 

 There are easier and shorter ways to break 

 horses than this, but it pays to take time as de- 

 scribed for the reason that the process outlined 

 if followed will develop a mouth not too hard 

 and not too soft, and that is worth money either 

 to sell or to keep. Remember that a horse is a 

 creature of habit. It takes repetition to drill 

 things into his brain. His instinct is admirable. 

 He will bring you home safely the darkest and 

 stormiest night that ever blew and the next day 

 bolt and wreck the rig because he chanced to 

 meet a black pig when he was habituated to 

 meeting white pigs in that particular spot. 

 When he is young his brain is more plastic and 

 sensitive to impression than when he grows 

 older. Habits he contracts at two years old 

 will be retained through life. 



When colts have been well broken as two- 

 year-olds they may be turned out for the rest 

 of the year. They will never forget their les- 

 sons. There is no sense in trying to lay down 

 set rules; these very general directions must 

 serve. The man who breaks colts finds some 

 new situation to deal with in every one he un- 

 dertakes to educate. 



In all cases the bitting should be done as out- 

 lined. See to it that the bit is always high 

 enough up in the mouth. Keep it just so that it 

 will not unduly press against the cheeks, but at 

 the same time not so low that the horse will be 



