122 COLT TRAINING. 



less, as before explained, there is danger, in exceptionally bad 

 cases, of his getting frightened and kicking, anU thus a great point 

 is lost. It is, in fact, almost fatal to success to let a colt by careless- 

 ness or accident resist at any point, as it makes him cunning and 

 doubtful,— a condition that sometimes requires very careful, thor- 

 ough work to overcome. 



There should be no effort to make a drive until the colt is ac- 

 customed to turning, stopping, and starting, but not to backing; 

 let that come after the going ahead and stopping is thoroughly es- 



Fig. 150.— Simple Form of fiitting-rig. 



tablished, when repeat the lesson on backing a little. At first, the 

 driving should be confined to a walk, then gradually let put to a 

 moderate trot, being careful not to drive to the point of exhaustion. 

 If the colt steps well, and it is desired to cultivate a fast trotting 

 gait, there is more necessity for going slowly. First, let him out on 

 a smooth, moderately descending road, holding up often, and 

 speaking to him kindly. Gradually he can be let out faster and a 

 little farther, but not to the point of breaking, nor so far at any time 

 as to cause fatigue. If it is intended to hitch to top carriage, drive 

 around first with an umbrella held over the head, bringing it over 

 the back. Next, lead him around so that he can look into the top 

 and smell of it, then lead him into the shafts and hitch. , 



