THE HORSE 163 



not made to sweat excessively, the shoulders will 

 gradually harden of themselves, without any dis- 

 organization ensuing. Of course we are assuming 

 that the colt is provided with a properly -fitting 

 collar. A straw collar is better than a leather 

 one at this stage, and if a breast collar is used on 

 alternate days, bruised shoulders may be avoided. 

 In any case, if the neck becomes in the slightest 

 degree bruised, stop all shaft work at once until 

 it is perfectly well again. Also, daily from the 

 commencement of breaking-in to harness, bathe 

 the neck under the collar immediately on the re- 

 turn from work, with a saturated solution of alum 

 and water, which will help to harden the skin. 



Tkicks 

 It must be borne in mind throughout the break- 

 ing that it is a comparatively simple matter to 

 prevent a horse doing that which he should not 

 do, but that if he is once allowed to develop a 

 trick or vice it may take months of trouble and 

 hard work to make him forget it again. 



Shoeing 

 A visit to the blacksmith is, of course, part of 

 the necessary education of every horse, and is very 



