MAKING SPEED. 35 



It is important to teach the colt to trot at uni- 

 form speed on a lightly held line, when started at 

 a certain gait. An intelligent colt will soon learn 

 this habit. 



A colt should be taught to respond to the voice, 

 so that when he shows an inclination to "take the 

 bit in his teeth," the driver can "talk him back." 

 As a colt's speed increases a firmer, grip on the 

 reins will be necessary to steady him in his gait, 

 and keep him in his stride — biit don't pull. 



It is important for the driver to learn how to 

 "catch" a colt when it makes a break. Marvin 

 wrote: "My plan is to give him a square pull 

 back, and swing him very slightly to one side, giv- 

 ing him a chance to catch in the cross stride." 

 "Catching" is an accomplishment which can be 

 acquired only by practice, certainly not through 

 written advice. 



Don't lose your temper when a colt leaves its 

 feet, don't jerk nor snatch nor see-saw. It is hardly 

 necessary to advise against teaching a colt to 

 be a "handy breaker." This was an old time idea!' 

 that happily has been practically discarded. 



Do not allow the colt to learn the side-pUlling 

 habit, which may be caused by an uneven hold on 

 the lines, or by poor teeth, or by too large a bit. 



If a colt starts to hitch, scalp, or forge, correct 

 the evil before you go on with its speed lessons. 



As to a whip, don't carry one unless you know 

 how and when to use it. 



