314 , THE HORSE. 



darker stables suited to horses doing strong work. But not only 

 is a large roomy box required for each colt, but there must also 

 be a yard, or small paddock, in which they may be suffered to 

 take that exercise which they cannot yet receive artificially in 

 an amount which will maintain their health. The breaking is 

 generally commenced in warm summer weather ; and there is 

 no danger in allowing the colt to be at liberty during the day, 

 at such hours as are not required to be occupied by the breaker's 

 instructions. It is necessary, therefore, to have a series of airy 

 boxes, separated from one another in the same way as those 

 in ordinary stables, but of a larger size, being at least 18 feet by 

 12 feet, and with a very free circulation of air. These are much 

 better made open to the roof, as they are never used in cold 

 weather for horses, and will then serve for any other kind ol 

 stock if required ; but at all events they should now be as airy 

 as it is possible to make them. Many jDcople object to the use 

 of litter at this period, as being different to the cool grass to 

 which the colt has been accustomed, and recommend tan as a 

 much better kind of material for the floor of the box. I am 

 inclined to think that there is great reason in this objection, and 

 that the latter article is less likely to produce that contraction 

 of the feet which so commonly occurs in the horse in training. 

 A shady paddock, with as soft a turf as possible, should be pro- 

 vided ; and here the colt may be turned out the first thing in 

 the morning for an hour or two, and again at night for the same 

 time, leaving the middle of the day for the breaker's manipula- 

 tions. This plan also provides for the gradual alteration of diet, 

 as the colt will always pick a little grass when turned out, and 

 will only eat his hay during the long night ; while his oats he 

 has long been accustomed to, and will still continue to relish. 



LEADING TACKLE. 



Leading with the cavesson on is the first thing to be prac- 

 tised, and it should be continued for two or three weeks without 

 any farther attempt at breaking, if there be plenty of time, and 

 full justice is to be done to the colt. A roller is put upon the 

 colt, and a crupper, with long hip-straps, by the presence of 

 which he becomes accustomed to a loose sheet, or any other de- 



