BREAKING IN 



Baucher says, and I am of his opinion, that it 

 needs uncommon discrimination on the part of an 

 owner to pick the right man for breaking in a young 

 horse. Indeed, to judge wisely the time required 

 for the work, the state of progress of the young ani- 

 mal and its muscular development, to reward obe- 

 dience suitably, and to punish with wise moderation, 

 demand a judgment and an experience that come 

 near to talent. 



It is far easier to train a child than to reform a 

 criminal: and it is the same with a young horse. 

 But if the instructor lacks patience or kindness or 

 experience, the child will revolt against his teachers, 

 and the horse against its riders, and both will be 

 permanently harmed. And since the breaking in is 

 the beginning of a horse's education, the man who 

 undertakes it can never have too much of each of 

 these essential qualities. 



During the breaking in, a single bridoon should 

 be used, rather than a full bridle. The chain and bit 

 produce too powerful an effect on the mouth of a 

 young horse, and it will not understand. Moreover, 

 they cannot be managed properly during the rear- 

 ing, kicking, and buck-jumping to which young 

 horses are addicted. 



If the horse is nervous or violent, I employ the 

 cavesson with the longe. The horse is saddled and 

 bridled, the stirrups being raised against the saddle 

 by a knot in the straps. The cavesson is put on over 

 the bridle, the throat-latch tight enough to prevent 



59 



