104 



now TO DRIVE THE COLT. 



As soon as the colt is securely yoked the breaker 

 should get into the trap, taking the reins in the 

 hand before mounting. A good horseman never fails, 

 firstly, to glance over the harness, and, second 1)% to 

 take the reins in his hand before mountmg the trap. 

 The assistant should take the colt by the head, using 

 the long cord, while the driver urges him gently to 

 move forward by working the reins with the hands 

 along with kind words of assurance and encourage- 

 ment, and in the majority of cases he will generally 

 obey. He must keep the colt well in hand by taking 

 a short hold of the reins, with the hands level and 

 well parted, bearing upon them according to the 

 colt's movements. He should keep him circling 

 widely round in all directions, first to the right, 

 then to the left, and must always avoid wheeling 

 him too abruptly at first until he grows familiar 

 with the motion of the trap behind him. On going 

 on to the hard road for the first time a good watch 

 should be maintained over the colt as the sudden 

 and unexpected noise behind may cause him to bolt, 

 and otherwise startle him. Knee-caps should be 

 placed upon the colt for the first few times he is in 

 harness, so that if he should throw himself down 

 his knees will be protected ; indeed, it is a safe 

 plan to ride and drive him on the road for some 

 considerable time with knee-caps until he becomes 



