THE HORSE, HOW TO BREAK AND TRAIN. 117 



leathers so they may flap about. In the Spring following its birth put a 

 colt's bit in his mouth, with keys attached. Rein him comfortably to the 

 surcingle, tn which a crupper must be attached. In this, however, 

 everything must be easy to the animal. Don't try to get his head up. He 

 may be flexed from time to time, that is taught to open his jaw to the 

 left and right ; to turn his head to the right and left shoulder ; to raise 

 and lower his head ; to turn with his hind or his fore-feet in a circle, 

 those not used being the pivot ; to come to his traiiier at the word ; ta 

 back, to guide right or left by the rein ; in fact at the age of two years 

 he may be made pretty well way wise, so that when actually ridden, or 

 hitched beside a steady horse, there -will be little fear or resistance to 

 combat. To get him used to the rattling of a wagon, tie him by a lead- 

 ing strap to the trace buckle of the back band to the off and also to the 

 near horse in the team. This will instruct him and get him used to the 

 word, and to walking and trotting quietly. All this may seem like 

 taking a great deal of trouble, but remember that much of it may b« 

 done while doing the ordinary labor of the farm. 



IX. How to Handle a Vicious Colt. 



Suppose you come into possession of a wild colt at three or foar years 

 old, or one that has never been handled. Put him in a close place like a 

 narrow stall, where he cannot turn round or by any means escape. Put 

 on a cavesson halter (a cavesson is a nose-band) and It may end under 

 the jaw in a running noose, so as to press with force when drawn tight. 

 Have lunging straps attached to the halter ring and securely fastened. 

 Allow the young horse free access out of the stable, being careful not to 

 throw him down before he gets out. Let the yard be rather small, but 

 quite tight, and with none near except his trainer and assistant, who holds 

 the ropes. Thus with a strong man to each rope acting in concert tb<i 

 wildest colt may be handled without danger. Let him struggle and reai 

 and plunge, the ropes being well spread to each side. If he rear, ease. 

 on the ropes so as not to throw him, checking him as he comes down 

 again. 



Only one person should speak, the trainer, using only the necessary 

 words and those spoken in a firm but rather low tone of voice. 



Have a good and reliable whip, a long, straight, flexible one, but not 

 for use except in cases of an emergency ; as in case the horse should 

 get his liberty by slipping the halter and turn to fight. Then it must 

 be used determinedly, but without exhibition of temper. If he rushP!» 

 on you, a sharp, strong cut across the muzzle, avoiding the eyes, to ■ » 

 followed by others, as necessary. This will subdue him. If he kicks, ;i 

 determined sharp cut over the hind legs next the body, will tame him. 



