CHAPTER IX 

 BREAKING IN 



BREAKING in, for the young horse, involves ac- 

 quaintance with the trainer, so that it will come to 

 him and follow him without fear or anxiety, accept 

 the bridle without reluctance, stand quietly for 

 mounting and dismounting, walk, trot, and gallop 

 under the rider's weight without nervous tension, 

 turn to either side by the rein, stop and stand still. 

 That these movements should all be done perfectly, 

 is not, however, so important as that the horse 

 should be docile and quiet. 



This first portion of a horse's training does not 

 need an experienced master. Any ordinary rider 

 can manage it, provided only that he have persever- 

 ance, patience, kindness, love for the animal, and a 

 sufficiently good seat to resist the exuberance of a 

 young horse. For a young horse is like a child, ig- 

 norant, timid, anxious; and if the trainer is not 

 indulgent, patient, and fond of the animal, sooner 

 or later a little too much severity, the least touch 

 of brutality, will reenforce this natural timidity, 

 and produce restiveness and bad temper that the 

 horse will never outgrow. Many a horse has been 

 spoiled by unintelligent trainers. For the horse's 

 memory is excellent, and very seldom does it forget 

 harsh treatment. 



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