42 THE HORSE : ITS TAMING, 



head from side to side, he cannot bring a greater 

 pressure of the bit to bear upon one side than upon the 

 otJier^ as the rein connecting it with the surcingle is a 

 running one, hence you do not get boring or one-sided 

 mouthed horses, the former (boring) being produced 

 by elastic or stretching reins, the colt learning to ease 

 himself of the continuous strain on its mouth and 

 muscles by thrusting its nose forward. 



The first time the bit is in the colt's mouth it 

 should not be kept there longer than one hour-and-a- 

 half ; the second lesson two hours, and the rein 

 slightly tighter. The place to do it in is a small 

 enclosure, or the field in which the colt has been 

 grazing; but, if possible, not in a box ; it is not large 

 enough. The colt must be taught to walk against his 

 bit, to give him the fashionable carriage required in a 

 well-trained animal. 



The third lesson in carrying the bit may be given 

 in the afternoon, after the second lesson ; but with at 

 least four hours intervening, and then the nose may 

 be placed in such a position as it is required, or 

 considered advisable the colt should be taught to 

 carry it. One hour is quite long enough for this 

 lesson. 



The fourth lesson with the bit may be given the 

 following morning, and in the afternoon put the harness 

 on quietly, with the winkers last, so that the colt can 

 see as much as possible. The long reins should be 



