48 DRIVING DOUBLE. 



DBIVING DOUBLE. 



It is generally the custom to drive the colt at first in 

 double harness by the side of a gentle horse accustomed 

 to harness. The colt should be put on the off side. The 

 whip should be held over the old horse, to keep him up to 

 the movements of the colt in starting, but the gait should 

 be kept moderate. 



After driving well on the off side, the colt should be re- 

 versed to the near side, there being less danger of becoming 

 frightened from getting into or out of the wagon, or of 

 seeing things while being passed to or from the wagon, by 

 being more from view on the off side ; therefore, to lessen 

 the probabilities of being frightened, it is preferable at 

 first. 



Let the driving be moderate and the load light, and by 

 all means, if the colt is of a sensitive or nervous tempera- 

 ment, the greatest mildness must be observed. Loud 

 "yelling" or cracking of the whip should not be per- 

 mitted. 



BACKING. 



After learning to drive well, teach the idea of backing 

 by pulling on theorems steadily, and saying " back." If 

 there is resistance, give a quick, sharp, raking pull, which 

 will move the colt by the pain and force of the bit back- 

 ward, repeating until there is prompt obedience. If there 

 is much resistance, put on breaking-bit, which will soon 

 secure obedience ; but under any circumstances do not 

 make the colt back too freely, especially if the mouth is 

 sensitive. If there is much resistance to backing, and the 

 colt warms up, the best way is to stop until cool. Repeat 

 lesson, and the colt will soon back freely. Be careful not 

 to force to back too freely. A little too much disposition 

 to back is sometimes hard to overcome. Aim to get just 

 enough and stop. 



HIDING. 



If the colt is not of a very bad character, there will be 

 no resistance to being ridden, after the first lesson of 

 subjection. If there is, attach a short strap or a piece of 

 rope to the off forefoot, throwing the other end over the 

 back. Take a short hold of this strap with the right 



