80 The Care of Animals 



Choice between open and blind bridles must be governed 

 by circumstances. A driving horse used with an open 

 bridle generally "knows too much," and often assumes 

 that, because he has seen a person get into the vehicle, 

 he is ready to start; or, because the driver takes the 

 whip he expects to receive a "cut"; and he often jumps 

 when it is not desirable. Horses which "shy" at objects 

 along the road usually go much better when carefully 

 driven with an open bridle. 



In breaking colts, a large, smooth bit is to be pre- 

 ferred. There are on the market some slightly flexi- 

 ble leather- covered bits that are excellent. A straight 

 or a single -joint bit is generally used. After the colt 

 is thoroughly familiar with the bitting rig, a saddle, 

 back strap and crupper of a single harness should be 

 carefully put on and be kept on for an hour or two 

 daily until he is used to it. When this is accomplished, 

 a bridle can be put on, the lines passed through the 

 tugs, or loops made for the shafts, and the colt driven. 

 By passing the lines through the tug loops the colt can 

 be prevented from whirling around and getting tangled 

 up in the lines. It is usually a good plan to have an 

 attendant lead the colt until he understands what is 

 expected of him. 



One of the first things to teach a colt is to stop at 

 the command "Whoa," and to stand. The command 

 should be used for the one purpose of making him stop. 

 Many drivers use the word frequently in driving ner- 

 vous or irritable horses, but, instead, they should use 

 other encouraging or soothing words. 



After the colt is broken to drive single, the breeching 



