182 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



ropes, long leather straps (reins) to the collar, the ends of 

 which should be held and gently pulled at by an assistant, 

 while another leads the animal, starting and stopping him now 

 and again, but never making him unsteady by jerking pulls, 

 and allowing the lines to touch his hocks and quarters now and 

 again. 



It is best to break to harness without blinkers, for reasons 

 already given ; but if they are to be used, now is the time to 

 put them on. 



To accustom him to the pole of the break, that part should 

 be placed beside him, laid against his body, and rubbed over 

 him. He must on no account be alarmed by it, but should 

 tolerate it about his legs, and in a day or two, when he under- 

 stands it, he will have no fear of it. He ought also to be led 

 about carriages and near carriage wheels, and alongside horses 

 in harness, so as to become used to wheels behind him. Then 

 he may be put in a light break, along with a steady, but 

 free, old horse, and gently and encouragingly started to travel 

 along a straight, level road, the harness being sound and well 

 put on, and the break attachments strong and secure. It may 

 be well to have a man run alongside the colt for a short 

 distance to encourage and steady him, going slow at first ; in- 

 deed, a walking pace is the best to begin with. Only a short 

 journey should be taken for two or three days, and at the end 

 of each the shoulders and neck must be carefully examined to 

 prevent chafing from the collar. Should the skin become 

 tender, there is nothing better than alum solution sponged 

 over it. 



The colt ought to be driven on the near and off side 

 alternately. 



When steady and obedient in double harness, if intended 

 for single harness also, the colt may be trained in a light, but 

 strong, carriage two- wheeled, if possible. The harness must 

 be good, and a kicking strap is necessary with strong breeching. 



