114 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



of the ^it, it must also have a check rein that may be lengthened or 

 shorte^-tjd, and two side straps one on each side. The harness is simply 

 a very wide strong surcingle, with padded back piece, having at the top a 

 strap i /id buckle to form a loop for the check rein and also a buckle on 

 each Sude of the surcingle in which to buckle to side straps. To the rear 

 of the pad of the circingle is attached a back strap and round crupper 

 strap, zhe latter to buckle and unbuckle. 



Take the harness, and approaching the colt in the stall, let him smell 

 "t until satisfied, then put it on without undue haste or fuss. If the colt 

 ii.. nervous or skittish, talk to him and take time. The harness on, put 

 on the bridle, giving plenty of length to the check rein and side straps, 

 so the colt will not be unduly hampered, and let it out in a smooth, tight 

 yard, following it about ^vith thcAvhip under the arm. Sometimes a strong 

 colt will struggle and sweat violentljs but if he has been properly handled 

 heretofore, he will take the subjection pretty much as a matter of course. 

 Let him exercise an hour a day for a few days, tightening the check rein 

 and side straps gradually, until his head is brought into proper position, 

 but not a constrained position. When he ceases to fret at the harness, 

 pass the snap of a leading rope through the near ring of the bit and snap 

 it into the oif one. This rope should be about fifteen feet long. Taking 

 the end in the hand, exercise the colt in a circle, allo^ving him to walk if 

 he will. When somewhat tired let him stop and standing in front of 

 him, say come, tapping him lightly on the fore-legs with the whip. If he 

 pulls, hold him firmly, but without undue violence while he resists, tap- 

 ping him on the fore-legs at intervals, using the word come. He will 

 soon find the way to escape the whip to be to get near to you. Then 

 fondle him and give him a trifle of sugar or salt and let him follow to the 

 stable. So proceed from day to day, exercising him in a circle both to 

 the right and left, (lunging it is called), gradually increasing his pace to 

 a fair trot, until he will trork as you want him, turning at the word to the 

 right or left circle, or to stand and come to his master at the word of 

 command. 



VX. Learning to Back. 



This is one of the most difficult thimgs to teach a colt properly, and 

 one most commonly slurred over. No horse is properly trained for the 

 most simple use, until he will back as readily and as perfectly as he wiU 

 go forward. It should be taught him while in the bitting harness, so 

 that at the command to back he will do so to the extent of one or more 

 steps. This is done first by stps \ing in fuont of the colt and taking a 

 Tcin in each hand ; or take hold ^ >. \he rings of the bits themselves. At 



