BREAKING. 319 



also to the buckles in the roller, crossing them over the withers. 

 At first they ma}^ be drawn up very slightly, so as just to pre- 

 vent the colt from putting his head into his usual position, and 

 in that form he may be left in his box for an hour a-day, be- 

 sides the usual amount of walking out of doors with the bridle 

 on. They may now be gradually tightened a hole or two per 

 day, and also more so in the box than when led out, when the 

 tightening should be very gradual indeed. Some colts very 

 soon begin to champ the bit, and play with it, whilst others are 

 often sulky for a day or two, and hang upon it steadily, with the 

 intention of freeing themselves. All, however, at last begin to 

 champ, and when this is freely done, the breaker may teach the 

 colt the intention of the bit, by making him stop and back when 

 out of doors, by its means. The rings on each side should be 

 taken hold of evenly by both hands, and the colt made to stand 

 or back by steady pressure, but without alarming him. Kind- 

 ness and gentle usage, with occasional encouragement, soon ac- 

 custom him to its use, and he only wants ten daj's or a fortnight 

 in order to obtain the desired result of its presence in the mouth, 

 which is called " getting a mouth," and which is merely the 

 giving to the sense of touch in the lips an extra degree of deli- 

 cacy. When this stage is completed, and the mouth is quite 

 under command, so that the colt will either come forward or 

 backward by drawing his head in those directions, with the 

 bit held in both hands, tlie colt is ready for backing. During 

 the wliole progress of breaking, daily slow lunging and plenty 

 of walking exercise should have been practised, so that the colt 

 is not above himself, but is more or less tired each day. 



Before actual backing is attempted the saddle should be put 

 on, and it should always be a roomy one at first, well stutfed 

 and fitting accurately, so as to avoid all painful pressure. Tlie 

 withers, especially, should be closely watched, and if high and 

 thin the saddle should be proportionally high at the pommel. 

 The roller has been hitherto the only kind of pressure round the 

 chest, but it has gradually been tightened from time to time, so as 

 to prepare the colt for the subsequent use of the girths which are 

 requii-ed to retain the saddle in its place. This should be put on 

 at first with the girths quite loose, and with a crupper in addi- 

 tion, because having already worn one, the tail has become ac- 



