BREAKING YOUNG HORSES 203 



refractory it may be at the beginning; but it should be 

 used with discretion, and not abused. A horse should never 

 be kept circling too long in one direction without being 

 allowed to have a spell in the opposite direction ; and much 

 caution should be observed in allowing it to canter, which 

 may easily become a gallop, when there is considerable 

 danger of the animal sHpping up and straining itself. 

 Thoughtless grooms are too fond of urging the animal on, 

 without thinking of possible consequences — but then 

 they are not risking their own property ! When horses 

 are too fresh, or are given to plunging when first mounted, 

 a few rounds in the cavesson, before being ridden, is an 

 excellent safety-valve for exuberant spirits. When a young 

 horse is commencing his tuition in the ring he should have 

 a special surcingle strapped on, provided with a crupper, 

 and also with side buckles to which reins can be fastened 

 which are made for the purpose and which buckle also 

 to the bit. To the surcingle all kinds of things may be 

 fastened, varying them from day to day — stable rubbers, 

 coloured handkerchiefs, a hunting-whip, or light poles 

 fastened securely alongside, or anything else which may 

 strike the fancy, and which soon accustoms the pupil to have 

 such things flapping about. It is then little likely to be 

 scared in after-life by anything which may happen to it. 

 Now also is the time to let the young one get used to all 

 kinds of noises, and sights — the beating of drums, the 

 blowing of horns, or boys playing at football, or cricket, 

 or other fearsome games. An ox's bladder full of peas 

 makes an excellent rattle, and an accompaniment of a 

 poker and shovel makes uncouth music, not to be despised 

 as a lesson. 



Part of the training of the colt should consist of leading 

 it in the cavesson into crowded streets, where it will see 

 all kinds of road nuisances, and taking it to any kind of 

 gathering, or market, where strange sights can be seen, 

 but at the same time where the animal can be kept out of the 

 reach of doing or receiving any injury. It should be well 

 accustomed to all such sights before training under the 

 saddle is begun. Time spent in this manner is never 



