FEEDING AND FITTING A HORSE. 157 



But a danger to be especially guarded against is 

 the impatience of the owner who, when he finds 

 that the young colt can trot a little, always de- 

 sires to see him do it more or a little faster. If 

 he pushes the colt in such a way he will soon 

 have one that will do nothingc The only proper 

 and safe way is to proceed gradually, but contin- 

 ually , the colt should be kept at it gently, so as 

 to retain all he learns, which he will do if he is 

 not forced off his feet 



Then break him to ride ; mount and dismount, 

 but do not straddle him till he gets accustomed 

 to your getting off and on ; then ride him for a 

 few moments, but not so long that he will get 

 leg-weary. I recommend less walking for trot- 

 ters than was formerly employed. 



3. To Educate Him for the Road. — In 

 doing this the skeleton is preferable, to keep the 

 weight off his back. Take your horse to some 

 track ; if there is none, then upon the road , do 

 not speed him along at the same rate ; but 

 in short ' spurts," when he will extend himself 

 without injury. If he seems tired, let him up a 



