The Grotving Stock 305 



break it. One should not be lulled into a feeling of security 

 if he goes all right the first time. With care and judgment, 

 almost any colt can be driven without trouble the first 

 time, but often about the third or fourth driving there may 

 be difficulty. A colt with spirit will not give up without a 

 struggle. One of the best practices is to hitch him with an 

 older horse. A stay chain is attached so that the older 

 horse may pull the wagon, and then by tying the colt to 

 the older horse, he cannot become unmanageable. A horse 

 that is used to breaking colts seems to enter into the spirit 

 of it, and is a great help in this work. In some sections 

 where four-horse teams are used, the colt is often hitched 

 in as a wheeler, with three old horses, and in this 

 method he must come along and do what is desired. If 

 the colt is on good ground and the rigging is strong, one 

 can force him to do what is wanted, with little diflSculty. 

 If the harness breaks or if one is in some dangerous place 

 where they must get out the easiest way possible, and thus 

 give in to him a little, it is more serious and a spoiled 

 colt likely to be the result. Some horse-men knowing the 

 necessity of the struggle at some time, think it would 

 better be met the very first time, but this is a doubtful 

 policy. The green colt is easily frightened, and what is 

 intended to restrain him or to punish his obstinacy may. 

 scare him, so that he has little idea of what is wanted. He 

 thus not only becomes harder to handle, but fails to learn 

 the desired lesson. On the other hand, if he is treated 

 more gently, he may become thoroughly accustomed to 

 the bit and harness before making trouble. He may 

 also learn to guide by the reins and know the meaning 

 of the word "whoa." When this is the case, he may be 

 mastered with little difficulty if the outfit is strong and 

 efficient. 



