MODERN FARRIER. 177 



t!ause why they are generally better winded than 

 geldings. In neighing, also, the voice of the stal- 

 lion is more deep and sonorous. 



110. Colt-breaking. 



Considering the violent and brutal dispositions of 

 many horse-breakers, it is astonishing that so few 

 of these arenerous animals become restive and un- 

 manageable. Coolness and gentleness are the most 

 effectual means of overcoming the danger and diffi- 

 culty of breaking a young colt. 



tiavino' been accustomed to be handled and hal- 

 tered, begin by putting on a bridle for a very short 

 time, and, immediately on taking it off, feed him ; 

 and he will soon become reconciled to the process. 

 The bit should be a plain snaffle, thicker than the 

 one afterwards used ; and in the centre should be 

 fixed a slabbering bit, which, lying loosely upon the 

 tongue, excites the horse to move his jaws, and pre- 

 vents him from bearing heavily upon it, so as to 

 deaden his mouth. He should at first be reined up 

 very easily, and but for a short time to the surcingle. 



The saddle should be fixed with great care, and 

 the girth should be no lighter than what is neces- 

 sary to prevent the saddle from turning round. 

 Care must also be taken that the crupper is a pro- 

 per length, and does not gall the tail. Let the 

 colt's head be at perfect liberty in leading him out 

 of the stable, lest he should start and be afraid of 

 striking his head against the upper part of the door; 

 an apprehension natural in young colts. Always 

 put his bridle and saddle on with great gentleness, 

 as improper haste or violence may so alarm him, 

 that he will never again quietly submit to the ope- 

 ration. Avoid also holding him by the lower part 

 of his nose, because as a horse breathes only through 

 his nostrils, and not through his mouth, the pressure 

 of that part of the nose stops his breathing, and he 



z 



