164 The Horse I^Di'srin in Xkw \'()rk State 



Drive him ahead a few steps, with the coiiiniaiid ''whoa," iiive a 

 steady pull and eommand " back." Keep straight behind him and 

 have him step backward a few steps, then drive ahead a short 

 distance. Change direction often and he will soon back without 

 the pull from the reins. 



BITTING AND MAKING A MOUTH 



The colt should be bitted at about two years of age. A good 

 mouth is very important to any horse. It is by means of bit, reins 

 and voice that we convey our wnshes to the horse. He should " go 

 up on the bit," but not beg or pull, and should carry his head 

 straight when being driven, turned or backed. A bitting harness 

 or dumb jockey is used at first to allow the colt to do much of 

 this work himself while running in the paddock. 



A bitting harness consists of a heavy surcingle, back straps and 

 crupper, an open bridle equipped with a side draw check, a large, 

 smooth mouth bit, and a pair of side reins, one on either side, 

 running from the bit rings to the surcingle. The bit should be 

 well up in the mouth, but not tight. The check and side reins 

 should be very loose for the first few lessons. Then his head should 

 gradually be drawn up and the side lines shortened until he has 

 his head well up and straight. 



As soon as he is well bitted and accustomed to the harness, re- 

 move the side lines and substitute the driving reins. Attach them 

 to the bit and pass through rings well down on either side of the 

 surcingle. This will keep the reins down on the quarters and 

 prevent the colt from turning tow^ard the trainer, avoiding mis-j 

 haps. Some trainers leave the " near " or left rein out of th( 

 ring, making it easier to control the colt in case he attempts toj 

 run or lunge. He should be guided from left to right, should 

 start at command " get up," stop at " whoa," and back straight 

 without being pulled back by the reins. Drive him about, and 

 up to strange objects and in strange places. Pass other horses 

 with him and have him stand while others drive by. 



A complete set of harness should be used several times before 

 he is hitched. Attach a piece of rope to each trace, and, with the 

 reins in one hand and the ropes in the other, have him pull you 

 along by his collar. If he objects to the pull, start it gradually 



