564 The Book of the Horse. 



parallelogramic shape is the best, because corners are useful in haltering a wild colt. Pillars, 

 or any projections against which a horse might strike, are dangerous. It is better if the 

 building is roofed, so that no living thing — no cattle, pigs, or dogs, may distract the horse's 

 attention while under treatment ; but if an enclosed building cannot be obtained, a small 

 bullock-yard may be utilised. 



The horse must have a single-reined bridle, with a plain snaffle with long horns, or 

 wooden bit ; if inclined to bite, this wooden bit must be also a gag. Make the reins so short 

 that they will lie on the withers, by doubling them twice round the two forefingers and then 

 knotting them. Next buckle round him a breaking surcingle, made for the purpose, with one or 

 two large rings sewed on the belly part. This surcingle may be a plain broad strap of leather. 



It is assumed that the colt has been sufficiently broken to allow you to lead him, and 

 do anything with him except mount him. 



Take strap No. i, pass the tongue through the loop under the buckle so as to form a 

 noose, slip it over either fore-leg — the near leg in preference — draw it close to the pastern 

 joint, then take up the leg as if you were going to shoe him, and, passing the strap round 

 over the fore-arm, buckle as close as you can to the arm without hurting it. 



If you have confidence in yourself, work alone ; if you have not, obtain a quiet and 

 obedient assistant. When the first strap is buckled take hold of the snaffle-bridle and lead 

 him about. It is assumed that he has already been taught to lead freely. The object of 

 hopping him about on three legs is to teach him not to fall if he can help it. It fatigues 

 him without irritating him, and is alone a good preparation for putting a horse in harness for 

 the first time, as a colt not severely pressed, and with no weight on his back, can hop a 

 mile on three legs with ease. 



Strap No. 2 must now be looped round the other fore-leg, drawn tight, and passed 

 through one of the rings on the belly of the surcingle. The best form of strap has a leather 

 catch which prevents it from sliding back at a certain length. Put a stout glove on your 

 right hand, the nails of which should previously be cut close. Take a firm hold of the strap, 

 and as soon as the colt lifts his off fore-leg to hop, draw it tight and bring him down on 

 his knees. The leather catch will hold the strap fast above the ring, and thus both fore- 

 legs are secured. If he objects to move, " pull his head towards you with one rein, bear 

 against his side just behind his shoulder with a steady even pressure, and in less than ten 

 minutes he will lie doivn'' Mark the words " lie down," not " be thrown down," because 

 there is a difference between a violent operation sometimes indispensable with turbulent horses 

 and an easy slide by which a colt can be laid down on his side, and under the irresistible 

 control of the breaker. 



As soon as he is down make the other leg quite fast ; then you can handle him as you 

 please without his being able, or even trying, to resist you. Now is the time for again 

 " gentling '^ him, by softly stroking every limb — passing your hand or a soft brush over 

 every part of his body — kindly pulling his ears, rubbing his head, breathing into his nostrils, 

 and if he has been starved or is thirsty, unbuckling the bit for a few minutes, and rewarding 

 him with a little green meat, a sliced carrot, or an apple. You can sit on his back or place 

 a saddle on it after first showing it to him, and letting him smell it in the way already 

 described. 



The principle is to make the colt so fast that he cannot possibly resist. Then you can 

 prove to him that so far from hurting him you fondle him, and show him saddle, flags, or 

 anything else he is afraid of 



