94 BREAKING AND TRAINING 



Other encumbrances are sometimes attached to 

 the traces with ropes, and the animal is then driven 

 with long reins, either in a field or along a quiet road. 



In training a colt it is most important to see that 

 the harness is sound and fits properly. Neglect of this 

 precaution may possibly cause a horse to become 

 a jibber or kicker, whilst defects in the tackle 

 are also liable to be followed by disastrous results, 

 should the animal refuse to draw, or throw a severe 

 strain on the harness. 



A common practice when fixing a colt in the shafts 

 for the first time, is that of strapping up the fore leg 

 on the near side, and then making the horse draw 

 the machine a short distance on three limbs. The 

 application of the rope twitch to the nose is also 

 extremely frequent on such occasions. 



Neither of these plans is desirable, unless one 

 happens to have a bad tempered horse to deal 

 with. Repetition, morever, is pernicious, and a 

 good tempered horse may be rendered vicious through 

 the adoption of either of these courses. 



I think in harnessing a young horse it is best to 

 use an ordinary snaffle bridle, without blinkers. After 

 this, fix on a stout kicking strap, and have a 



