BREAKING RIG. 105 



the holes or mortises duplicated, so that the bars can be adjusted to 

 fit the size of the horse. 



If the wheels are not' high enough to support the frame arms, 

 put an extra piece of scantling on the upper side, and make the 

 mortises or holes high enough to bring the bars where the ^shafts 

 would come in driving. The simplest way of fastening the horse in 

 the rig is, after he is' harnessed in place, to pass a strap; under the 

 body from one bar to the other, another over the body and shoul- 

 ders, and a third over the hips. 



No matter how vicious or headstrong a runaway horse may be, 

 the faster and more determinedly he runs in this rig, the sooner 

 he will from necessity become gentle. He has not the liberty to 

 rear up, throw himself, or kick. If he undertakes to run he will be 

 carried round in a circle so rapidly as to become completely dizzy, 

 and, would fall helpless if not confined and supported.. If sensitive 

 about having the head, neck, or hind parts touched,' he can now be 

 handled until he is entirely, submissive to it. If he is afraid of an 

 umbrella or robe, these objects can be brought around him until he 

 is submissive. If he is afraid of a carriage-top, open and shut an 

 umbrella before his face, over, and behind him, until he is fearless of 

 it. If afraid of having the rein caught under the tail, and inclined 

 to run under such circumstances, he can now, with entire ease and 

 safety, be made to submit to it. 



With such a rig made, which is very simple and easy to con- 

 struct, the green colt, kicking runaway horse, or those of other 

 dangerous habits in harness, such as fear, of top, umbrella, or robe, 

 etc., can be easily broken by any one. The point is to adjust the 

 rig to the, horse, so that he will not be hampered or feel any serious 

 restraint, except when he struggles to resist ; and then let him go 

 or drive him as explained, until, under the most trying tests, he is 

 proved to be submissive and docile. 



Not only this, but it will also be found very effective for break- 

 ing single balkers.^a very important; advantage. By modifying 

 the rig a little as shown in Fig. 133, the pole may be allowed to 

 extend to the opposite side of the circle, to which a gentle horse can 

 be attached. Now, with the War Bridle cord on, of course after 

 being previously subjected to it as explained under the head of 

 balking, it is adjusted to the pole in front. If the horse will not go 

 when commanded, the , gentle horse at the opposite end of the pole 

 can be started up, when his whole power, if necessary, can be 

 brought upon the cord, which will soon bring the horse forward off 

 his ;f^et, when, after a few repetitions, he will stop and start freely 

 at command. 



