OTHER METHODS AND OBJECTIONS. 67 
whenever he pleases; and this evil is sufficient to outweigh 
any advantages the system may seem to have. A man 
leading a yearling should never, until the animal is to 
a certain extent quiet, leave his head, but have his right 
hand on the cavesson-rein, holding it within a few inches 
of the point of the cavesson. If this be done, then if the colt 
start from any cause, he can be stopped at once. But if, on 
the contrary, the man be a few yards from him, should he 
jump forward and kick, which frequently happens, the 
advantage is entirely his. As well pull at a house with the 
hope of pulling it down, as think to stop a horse by the same 
means. The result will be but one: the colt gets loose, 
the cavesson-rein dangling at his heels to add to the fright 
already occasioned by the other trappings, and he will likely 
go for miles before he is secured. I have seen this happen, 
and necessarily to the great injury if not absolute ruin of the 
horse. It is clear therefore that a valuable (or for that matter 
any other) yearling should not be permitted this chance of 
freeing himself. There are unfortunately too many occasions 
when ruin may result from uncontrollable circumstances, 
without adding this gratuitous one. 
The bit that as a rule is worn first, is a large snaffle with 
a few pieces of steel or iron in the middle, and is called a 
“player bit.” The middie part should always be kept in 
the centre of the mouth: it should not be allowed to remain 
on one side or the other. The bridle should not be too long 
in the head, or the colt will get his tongue over the bit, which 
should in no case be permitted ; nor too short to prevent it 
passing with freedom when moved on either side, or it will 
cause hardness of the mouth. 
When the colt has become perfectly tractable he may be 
ridden loose, having an old horse to lead him. He should be 
F 2 
