The Growing 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 difficulty. 
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. 
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