lO EVERY MAN HIS OWN TRAINER. 



practiced two or three times a week, according to the con- 

 dition and ability of the colt. 



When he is seven or eight months old, and has developed 

 enough speed to warrant the supposition that he is worth 

 training as a yearling, slip a light bridle on him with a bit 

 easy and loose in his mouth (a leather bit is best), and leave it • 

 on him, in the stall, one hour each day. In that way he gets 

 used to the bit and does not fight it. In a few days put on 

 an easy check, with biting rig, a light surcingle will do with 

 crouper attached of good length, so as not to draw too 

 tight under the tail, as that would irritate him. I have often 

 seen trouble with aged horses for this reason, and an ordinary 

 observer would not know what was the cause of their kicking 

 or attempting to kick. Do not leave it on him at first over 

 fifteen or twenty minutes at a time ; do not get out of his 

 sight, keep within reach, so that if he gets nervous or angry, 

 a few strokes of the hand or a few kind words may soothe 

 him. The first lesson should be short, in fact all of them 

 should be, but repeated often. 



In due season put on a pair of lines of good length, and 

 drive the colt with them until they learn what the bit is in the 

 mouth for. Teach them to know what the word '• Whoa '' 

 means, also to go ahead of you freely and rein handily first 

 to the right and them to the left. 



Select a good saddle horse that is well broken and easily 

 controlled, is quick and active, let your man get on the saddle 

 horse, take the lines of the colt and a whip in your hand and 

 start your colt off moderately; first on a walk, until he gets 

 used to it and finds out what you want ; then move him off 

 on a jog ; this may be increased daily until you have reached 

 the limit of his speed. Being sure not to go far enough to tire 

 the colt, so he will begin to come back to you of his own ac- 

 cord. Keep him fresh and' anxious to go. In this way you 

 can develop a wonderful amount of speed and will do your 

 colt no harm, as he-has no load to carry or weight to draw. 

 The horse galloping along behind him stimulates and en- 



