138 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



adjusted as to bring the bit in mild contact with the bars of the 

 mouth. If the head-stall is too short, the bars and the corners 

 of the mouth soon become sore, and the animal may become 

 vicious ; on the other hand, if it is too long, the bit drops down 

 in the mouth and the animal becomes careless. With the bit- 

 ting 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 un- 

 comfortable 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 for a few hours each day for perhaps a week 

 or less, depending on the individual. Real lines may now be 

 substituted for the side-reins and the colt driven until he knows 

 how to guide this way and that ; to stop at the word "whoa," 

 and to step forward at the command "get up." Train the colt 

 tg stand absolutely still when being harnessed, saddled, or 

 when it is desired that he should stand. A horse that is con- 

 tinually stepping about while one is working with him is but half 

 trained at best. 



Harnessing the colt. — After the colt has become familiar with 

 the bitting apparatus and has learned to obey simple commands 

 he may be harnessed. Do not use new harness, smelling of 

 things unfamiliar, but one that has been in constant use, pref- 

 erably by a horse that the colt knows. After being driven with 

 the bitting apparatus for a time and the colt is rather tired, put 

 him in his stall, bring the collar to him, let him smell of it if he 

 likes, then put it right on as if he were an old horse. Now get 

 the harness, walk up to him, and lift it gently over his back. 

 Do not stand off and throw the harness over his back, for the 

 loose straps hitting his back and abdomen will be resented, and 

 he may kick. Walk behind him, put the crupper strap on, then 

 step to the side and fasten the bands. 



