CHAPTER XVIII. 



The training of colts gone into in detail — How the breaking harness should be 

 put on and made use of — Proper adjustment of the lines an important feat- 

 ure — Teaching the pupil to obey the word of command — The first hitch 

 to the breaking cart — Don't have visitors around at this time — Preparing 

 for the stakes in which the young trotters are entered — Accustom the colt 

 to other horses, and then speed him a little — Keep your own counsel as to 

 • what is being done — Don't be alarmed at what you read concerning other 

 people's colts — June a good month in which to test your material a little — 

 The prompting horse should not be allowed to beat the pupil or carry him 

 too fast — Keep a reco! d of what each animal does and how he does it — No 

 two colts can be trained exactly alike — The first trial of the most promising 

 youngsters— A surprise often in store for the trainer at this time — Driving 

 on the road occasionally a good plan — The earnest work to be done in August 

 — Shipping the colts to the place where they are to trot — What to do when 

 you reach the track — All ready for the first race with the young trotter. 



The colt has now been led and driven about in the lead- 

 ing shed for about three months and is ready to be driven 

 with harness on. Put on your regular breaking harness 

 complete, tie the tugs or traces into the breeching, fasten 

 the outside girth into the thill or shaft holders, run the lines 

 through the sliaft holders or lugs, using a long pair, so the 

 driver will not be too near the colt. 



Drive him about the place, always carrying a whip. 

 Teach him to guide and drive wherever you wish ; drive 

 him forward and back past objects that he is shy of. Avoid 

 letting him turn around to face you, which he can not very 

 well do with ilie driving lines run through the shaft holders, 

 or if they come directly from the bit to your hand. If the 

 lines arc put through the turrets of the harness he can turn 

 around at any time, as you can get no purchase on him siu*h 

 as you have when the lines run along by his side. Drive 



(429) 



