228 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



yet but few of our horses can be managed with any degree of 

 comfort without them. 



By the proper use of the curb-bit the head of the colt and of 

 the older horse may often be brought into place when every 

 other means proves unavailing. This bit may be used upon 

 the horse while standing by his side, in the saddle or in driving, 

 but requires much prudence and judgment on the par4; of the 

 master. It must not be employed too severely nor too con- 

 stantly, but so as to make the horse feel that he must obey and 

 yet not so as to frighten or enrage him. The custom of driving 

 with a curb-bit is much more prevalent in England than in this 

 country, and very many American horses would be safer, 

 pleasantcr, and more beautiful if driven in this way. 



In breaking the colt to the saddle, which should not be done 

 before he is four years old, there will be very little trouble 

 provided he has been educated according to the directions 

 heretofore given. As soon as he is satisfied from examination 

 that the saddle will not harm him remove the stirrups and 

 place it upon his back. Do not girth it too tight at first, nor 

 attempt to mount before he has become accustomed to it. 

 Then lead him to a block eighteen inches high in the yard or 

 barn floor and step on to the block, and at the same time talk 

 to him and caress him. Then carefully put on the stirrups and 

 placing the right hand over on to the off side of the saddle, 

 bear your weight upon it and rise very quietly without a spring 

 from the block into the saddle. If the colt has been properly 

 tamed and you manage judiciously he will not need to be held 

 while you mount, but will stand perfectly still. As soon as he 

 is accustomed to your position and to the weight upon his back 

 let him move about slowly in the inclosure and dismount and 

 mount repeatedly. After two hours of this discipline you may 

 ride him where you please, permitting him at first to go very 

 quietly and slowly and not prolonging the lesson so as to weary 

 and disgust him. Do not employ whip or spur or martingales, 

 but simply turn him to the right or to the left if he be disin- 

 clined to go forward, or if he attempt to jump or rear and 

 plunge to throw you off. Ride him at first uj)on the walk 

 only, and teach him the pace to perfection rctjuiring him to walk 

 rapidly and truely without ambling or pacing. Tlien teach him 

 to trot, and when he does this well you can easily make him 



