1 1 6 Breaking. 



requires the rein to the bit, as it serves to keep the colt 

 quiet if the bit is suddenly checked when he gets his head 

 down before kicking. But in rearing, the lad is likely to 

 do mischief with it, and, on the whole, it is better, I think, 

 to avoid all chance of using it improperly, unless the 

 rider is very cautious and accustomed to the business of 

 colt breaking. When the young animal is quiet and 

 submissive after several days of leading about, the lad 

 may take command of the bit, as well as having the 

 reins entrusted to him, the breaker still keeping the long 

 webbing attached to the cavesson, and being always pre- 

 pared to assist the lad, who, however, should now begin 

 to try to turn the colt and stop him at pleasure, taking a 

 rein in each hand, and using them wide apart, with the 

 aid of his voice and heel. 



As soon as it appears likely that the lad can control 

 his charge, the cavesson may be taken off, and the colt 

 placed in a string of horses which are so steady as not 

 to give occasion by their example for the colt beginning 

 to plunge. 



During the course of breaking it is always safer to keep 

 the colt rather under-fed with corn, and until he is able to 

 begin his cantering exercise he will scarcely bear an 

 increase ; but much will depend upon his temper and if 

 he is inclined to fret he will often lose flesh, and will 

 demand more, rather than less, corn than usual. Bad- 

 tempered horses, however, will always require light feed- 

 ing during breaking, and extra time, as well as care, must 

 be bestowed upon them. This subject is better under- 

 stood now than it used to be, and fewer horses are spoiled 

 than was formerly the case ; still, however, there is often 

 room for improvement, and the number of horses which 

 are mismanaged at this time is by no means small. 

 Thorough-bred horses will not bear bad treatment, in 

 general, though some are certainly of such savage tempers 

 by nature as to require to be cowed ; still these are the 

 exceptions ; and the vast majority will, by early handling, 

 and cautious tackling and mounting, be broken almost 

 without a single fight or difficulty of any kind. If they 

 find themselves hurt by bit or saddle, or by the crupper 



