118 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



feels subjection. This serves to keep him in good 

 spirit and he develops an even temper. On the other 

 hand, if the colt is given his freedom until quite 

 mature, he resents control and often becomes so 

 headstrong that he may be physically and mentally 

 ruined in training. 



EARLY TRAINING IN HARNESS 



The colt may be taught the uses of the bit and 

 made familiar with the pressure of the harness as 

 suggested for training the work horse (pp. 56 to 84). 

 It is important to have him thoroughly obedient to 

 the lines and perfectly accustomed to the harness 

 before hitching. 



In order to improve the action . and to increase the 

 steadiness of the gait many excellent horsemen recom- 

 mend hitching double the first few times. They 

 think that the training-cart with its long shafts and 

 constant jarring motion interferes with the action, 

 and throws the colt out of balance. On the other 

 hand, many trainers use nothing but the cart and 

 experience no more difficulty in balancing than those 

 who use the double rig. 



In case the colt is worked double, procure a vehicle 

 of light construction and hitch by the side of a gen- 

 tle, reliable and well-balanced horse. The first few 

 lessons in harness must be short. Drive the team 

 through the stretches of the track, or over a soft 



