56 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



close to the tugs (short straps being used tempo- 

 rarily) ; the breeching should hook, the belly-band 

 ditto, the kicking-strap (the " Kentucky " X. kind, 

 as in illustration) should snap each side, and you 

 and your assistant should have all fast in an instant. 

 Let him stand for a few moments, if he will, but 

 if uneasy, lead him off, your assistant walking 

 behind with the reins; and look out for squalls, 

 although nine times in ten the little creature will 

 not rebel. Do not ask him to turn too sharply, and, 

 each time you take him out of his gig " put him to " 

 again at once (just for a moment). Let your assist- 

 ant mount the seat as soon as the colt is used to 

 his hampering surroundings; keep a hand on the 

 halter (always retained) the next few times he is 

 driven; then drive him where you like, assured of 

 reasonable safety, and in three weeks from begin- 

 ning you should have a well-educated, active, willing 

 youngster, sensible and better-mouthed than half the 

 old horses. 



But, says the reader, what about misbehaviour? 

 True, colts will misbehave, and they are never really 



