FIRST LESSONS WITH THE HALTER. 317 



with a small wisp of hay, and afterwards with a 

 linen cloth. Let him now see the halter, smell 

 it, and rub his nose against it, holding it in your 

 left hand, and whilst quietly slipping up the nose- 

 band, bring your right hand over his head with 

 the strap down to the buckle. A short strap or 

 cord may be attached to the leather halter, about 

 two feet in length, for the first day or two, but the 

 halter should be taken off again before night, as 

 serious accidents sometimes occur from the colt 

 attempting to scratch it off with his hind foot. 

 When accustomed to the halter, lead the colt about 

 the stable until he becomes acquainted with its 

 use, and before putting it on rub his head and 

 ears gently with your hand. As soon as the colt 

 will give his head readily and without resistance 

 to your pull on the halter, he may be led out with 

 a long rein, and if inclined to be skittish or frac- 

 tious, a few rounds at lunging will soon bring him 

 to order, but be careful not to overheat or distress 

 him. Then, by gradually shortening the rein, you 

 bring him up to you again, and after patting and 

 caressing him, lead him about until cool before you 

 return to the stable. 



Next comes the " bitting the colt," for which a 

 plain, good-sized, smooth snaffle is the best that 

 can be used at first. This may be put into his 



