172 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



animal carries his head vertically, but not more than this. In 

 about a fortnight he should be longed in the cavesson rein 

 alternately attached to each side of the bit, so as to make him 

 understand " side pressure " on the mouth, making him do the 

 same amount of work on the one side as the other, so as to 

 keep the mouth equally sensitive on both sides. But this 

 must be only of brief duration, lest the mouth be made sore. 



A few days of this, and he may be driven in long reins in 

 the longeing ground or a field, turning and stopping him now 

 and again, allowing his head plenty of play, and not pulling at 

 it too much, so that, in a short time he may have a good mouth. 

 After using reins for a day or so, he may be driven by them 

 about the roads, instead of leading him. 



All this time, of course, the hind and fore legs of the colt 

 have been handled and lifted, the hoofs taken backwards and 

 forwards as the farrier manipulates them, and struck with the 

 hand or a piece of wood ; while the body may be rubbed over 

 with a cloth or " duster." 



The common practice of placing a colt in the stall, head 

 about, and fastening him to the pillar-reins by the bit, is not 

 to be recommended ; it often teaches him to lean upon the bit 

 and to " bore " on it, in uneasily moving his mouth from one 

 side to the other. 



At this time, if the colt is intended for draught, pieces of 

 harness may be put on him, and an open collar placed on his 

 neck to accustom him to the pressure of it. If he is for heavy 

 farm work, then he ought to be accustomed to the rattling of 

 chains behind him. 



Reynolds, speaking of draught-colts, remarks that to those 

 which have lived in open fields the confinement of a stable is 

 at first irksome, and they should not be subjected thereto until 

 they have commenced to do a certain amount of work. If the 

 demand for team-work will allow of delay far enough into the 

 spring, it is better for the newly-broken colt, when his work is 



