94 Animal Husbandry 
163. Bitting the colt. — The young animal can usually be made 
familiar with the uses of the bit by the application of the bitting 
harness. This harness consists of an open bridle with a large 
smooth bit and check-rein, a surcingle and crupper, and two side- 
lines running from the bit to buckles on either side of the surcingle 
(Fig. 41). The adjustment of the bridle is important. The length 
Fic. 41.— Bitting harness used to familiarize the horse with the bit. 
of the head-stall must be so adjusted as to bring the bit in mild 
contact with the bars of the mouth. With the bitting harness 
properly adjusted, turn the colt into the familiar open paddock 
to get used to having the bit in his mouth. The check- and side- 
reins should be left slack at first. Gradually from day to day the 
reins should be shortened, care being taken that they are never 
made so short as to place the head in an uncomfortable position, 
or draw the bit so tightly as to make the corners of the mouth 
sore. The colt should be subjected to the use of this apparatus 
