BREAKING AND TRAINING. 169 



to a lock of the mane, to prevent the fore-foot getting through 

 it during grazing or rolling. 



Leading and longeing should be commenced when the colt 

 is fully accustomed to the head-collar and to head manipu- 

 lation. This is best affected by a cavesson well fitted to the 

 head, and with a long leading line of webbing attached to the 

 front ring of the nose-band (which should be well above the 

 nostrils), by means of a spring swivel. This being put on, the 

 colt is allowed to leave the stable or yard, and followed up or 

 led without any driving or pushing until a convenient place 

 (as quiet and retired as possible) has been reached, where 

 lessons can be given. Should he struggle and fight, tact and 

 firmness must be displayed speaking to him quietly and re- 

 assuringly, and keeping a steady hold of him, not far from his 

 head, if necessary. As he becomes calm, and confident that no 

 harm is meant, then more lead may be allowed until he is some 

 distance off, when the breaker, standing firmly on one spot, 

 begins to teach him obedience by inducing him to move round 

 in a circle at a walk, trot, or canter. It is well to have a whip, 

 which if possible should be carried by a second man who stands 

 outside the circle ; but it must not be used in any way until 

 other means of persuasion have failed. As a rule, if tact and 

 patience are exercised, there is not much difficulty in all this. 

 Circle him round in one direction at a walk for a short time, 

 keeping the cavesson line tight, and pulling him to a stand- 

 still every now and again, and making him obey commands ; 

 patting him also at intervals, and strengthening his friendship 

 by a handful of corn or anything he likes to eat. Then the 

 direction of movement should be reversed, and the same pro- 

 cedure gone through, care always being taken, from the very 

 beginning, to employ certain words for certain things the colt 

 must do, in order to familiarise him to them and make him 

 know what you require of him. 



Too much of this longeing must not be given at one time, 



