102 TROTTING. 



and preventing circulation, or possibly untying at some 

 critical moment. When necessary to use a foot-strap 

 much, it should be specially adapted for the purpose by 

 making as follows: Have a smooth strap made, about 

 twelve inches long and an inch wide, with a buckle on 

 one end and buckle holes punched in the other. About 

 one inch from the buckle should be fitted, under the lap 

 passing around the buckle, a ring or D stitched in nicely. 

 The edges of this strap should be dressed down smooth ; or 

 much better, cover the part coming in contact with the foot 

 with a piece of soft leather. This strap is intended to buckle 

 around the foot below the fetlock. Into the ring fasten the 

 end of a strap or web fourteen feet long and an inch and a 

 half wide. 



Buckle the short strap around the near fore foot below the 

 fetlock, then pass the long strap over the belly-band on the 

 near side back to the wagon, and hold as a rein. This gives 

 control of the foot at will, by which the horse can be dis- 

 abled and disconcerted instantly, while driving. If the horse 

 attempts to kick, simply pulling the foot up throws him off 

 his balance. He can neither kick or run back, and if he 

 attempts to go ahead it must be on three legs, in a manner 

 that makes resistance quite limited. It is especially valuable 

 when training colts to drive, by neutralizing the animal's 

 power to resist should he become frightened and attempt to 

 kick or back. The foot-strap is also valuable as a means of 

 enabling control of horses that will not submit to being 

 rode, and is very effective. 



TROTTING. 



A good walking gait should be the foundation of the 

 training. Continue this walking lesson until the colt is 

 thoroughly gentle and submissive, and has learned to walk 

 with energy. Now gradually let out on a moderate trot, 

 holding up often, gradually letting out a little faster, as the 

 strength and education will bear, but never so as to cause 

 fatigue. Those muscles that are brought most into use are 

 most largely developed, and bear in mind also that a colt 

 has neither the strength or bottom of an old horse, to bear 

 either much exertion, or to be pushed in his gait, and can- 

 not at once act the part of a fast going well trained horse. 



