SINGLE HARNESS. 139 



sides of the pole ; but in dcing this plenty of help is the first 

 requisite, and of course t his is not always forthcoming. 



Many years since when in want of a harness horse for myself 

 or friends, I used to go to Osborn's, in Gray's Inn Lane. If you 

 asked to see a horse in single harness, in five minutes he came 

 from the stable, four men with him ; he was put to instantly, 

 two men jumped into a gig, the other two ran, one on either 

 side of the horse. If at home, always have two or three men 

 ready to assist if necessary, as a good first start is everything, 

 as in ordinary life ; in fact, some old coachmen used to say that 

 four horses well put together were half over their first stage. If 

 you find the pupil shy at starting, or slow at drawing off, put him 

 at off- wheel in a break or coach with three good ones, for he 

 is bound to go then. But in the country, if the breaker is 

 without much assistance, and has not other horses at com- 

 mand, a good plan is to put the animal into a strong, light 

 cart, such as a butcher's, with a halter on, in addition to his 

 bridle, letting an active man run by his side for a short dis- 

 tance, when, if all goes well, he can jump into the trap from 

 the back without stopping. Drive a short distance, and on 

 reaching home take the horse away very carefully ; put him in 

 and feed him, leaving the harness on, especially the collar, or 

 his shoulders may suffer. In an hour or so, put him in again 

 for a short time, and when driving, stop occasionally, so that 

 he may learn to draw off and start properly ; but take a man 

 with you in case anything should go wrong. In taking the horse 

 out of harness, be careful that the reins or traces are not al- 

 lowed to bang against his hocks or heels, or he may be alarmed 

 and kick. 



About the year 1835, a dealer, George Carrington, who 

 lived near Tyburn Gate (where the last execution took place 

 in 1812), was invaluable, as he could generally find you a 

 first-rate gig or buggy horse in twenty-four hours, usual price 

 twenty-five pounds; and Bill Bean, the steeplechaser, was 

 equally good at a cheap hunter, if, as he said, you did not 

 mind his being a little used. Bean and Shirley, who kept the 



