136 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



important to keep the reins low in turning to make the guid- 

 ing process easy. After a little, as the colt becomes accus- 

 tomed to being driven, he can be touched up with the lines, 

 guided to the right or left, but he should be stopped often to 

 assure him he is doing well. 



Training to the uses of the bit. — It is best perhaps to train the 

 horse to the uses of the bit when he is about two years of age. 

 The manner in which the horse is educated to know and mind 



Fig. 55. — Arrangement of Halter and Lines for teaching Young Colt 



TO Drive. 



the bit will go far towards determining his usefulness. Inas- 

 much as the conveyance of the master's desire to the horse's mind 

 for execution is through the hands, reins, bit, and mouth, no 

 progress can be made and none should be attempted until 

 this means of communication has been well established. 



Importance of a good mouth. — No factor contributes so much 

 to the pleasure, comfort, and safety of either rider or driver as a 

 responsive mouth in a horse — one that always obeys promptly 

 the slightest instruction from the master. A good mouth to a 



