PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 379 



far toward determining their usefulness. Before bitting 

 the horse, the mouth should be examined for sores, as it 

 is not possible to train a horse to the uses of the bit while 

 suffering from sore mouth. While the proper bit to use 

 will depend somewhat on the object sought, yet in most 

 cases a straight or slightly curved bar bit cannot be im- 

 proved upon. In case the horse's mouth is tender the 

 bar bit should be covered with rubber or leather. 



The horse 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 check rein, a 

 surcingle and crupper, and two side lines running from 

 the bit to rings on either side of the surcingle. ( Fig. i68.) 

 With this harness properly adjusted, turn the horse loose 

 into a paddock to familiarize himself with the bit. The side 

 and check reins should be slack at first, but gradually 

 tightened from day to day. The first lessons should not 

 continue more than half an hour at a time, but two may 

 be given each day. Subsequently the lessons may be 

 longer. The number of lessons necessary to teach the 

 uses of the bit will vary according to the individual. 

 Some horses will drive after one or two, while others will 

 require a week or more before they will fully understand 

 its uses. 



Teaching the commands. — As soon as the horse be- 

 comes familiar with the bit, the side reins may be sub- 

 stituted for lines, and he may be driven about the 

 paddock. After driving the horse until he is going 

 smoothly, give the command "whoa," followed by a 

 strong swinging pull on both lines, and the moment the 

 horse stops slacken the lines. If necessary to stop the 

 horse, repeat the word and action. The next day teach 

 the command "get up." When ready to start, give the 

 command "get up," pausing a moment, then striking him 

 a light tap with the whip. When going smoothly, stop 

 at the command "whoa." Repeat until he obeys both 

 commands promptly. Next teach the command "back." 



