74 Training the Work Horse 



ness. The parts likely to become abraded are the 

 shoulders, caused by the collar; the back, caused 

 by the saddle of the harness; the tail, caused by 

 the crupper ; and the quarters, caused by the breech- 

 ing. At the slightest sign of any abrasion, the train- 

 ing must temporarily cease. Bathe the sore parts 

 with soap and water, then apply an astringent, as 

 salt and water, or alum and water, to harden and 

 heal them. As soon as the soreness has disappeared, 

 the training should be resumed (p. 373). 



Hitching single. — After harnessing, but before 

 hitching, tie the traces to the ring on each side of the 

 breeching, thus causing a slight pressure on the 

 collar and breeching, and drive the horse about 

 the inclosure. Start him at the command ^'get up," 

 stop him at '^ whoa" and have him move backward 

 at the command '' back." Turn him to the right 

 and left, and when he is going smoothly take him 

 out on the highway. At first, because of the new 

 environment, the horse may act strangely, but go 

 through with all the commands and signals that 

 he has thus far been taught. The horse is now 

 ready to be hitched to a vehicle (Fig. 14). 



Training-cart. — If at all convenient, the first time 

 the horse is hitched, a training-cart — one with long 

 shafts, substantially constructed, and the seat so ar- 

 ranged that the driver can get off and on quickly — 

 should be employed (Fig. 15). Such a cart can be 

 constructed from the rear wheels and the axle of a 



