112 COLT TEAINING. 



But if not subdued and made thoroughly gentle and fear- 

 less, as before explained, there is danger, in exceptionally 

 bad cases, of his getting frightened and kicking, and thus 

 a great point is lost. It is, in fact, almost fatal to success 

 to let a horse by carelessness or accident resist at any 

 point, as it makes him cunning and doubtful — a condition 

 that sometimes requires very careful, thorough work to 

 overcome. 



There should be no effort to make a drive until the colt 

 is accustomed to turning, stopping, and starting, but not to 

 backing ; let that come after the going ahead and stopping 

 is thoroughly established, when repeat the lesson on back- 

 ing a little. At first, the driving should be confined to a 

 walk, then gradually let out to a moderate trot, being care- 

 ful not to drive to the point of exhaustion. If the colt 

 steps well, and it is desired to cultivate a fast trotting gait, 

 there is more necessity for going slowly. First, let him 

 out on a smooth, moderately descending road, holding up 

 often, and speaking to him kindly. Gradually he can be 

 let out faster and a little farther, but not to the point of 

 breaking, nor so far at any time as to cause fatigue. If it 

 is intended to hitch to top carriage, drive around first with 

 an umbrella held over the head, bringing it over the back. 

 Next, lead him around so that he can look into the top and 

 smell of it, then lead him into the shafts and hitch. 



The custom of using blinders on horses, especially as 

 usually put on, in a haphazard way of pressing against and 

 covering up the eyes, is an abomination which should be 

 dispensed wdth in driving. They are admissible only when 

 the horse is lazy or cunning, watching the whip, etc. Any 

 horse of intelligence and courage will always drive more 

 reliably when able to see around and behind him. ' 



