100 THE HORSE 



mouth will be drawn back toward his breast. 

 Hold for a few seconds, then release and presently 

 repeat. Continue these exercises, with an occa- 

 sional respite for rest, for ten minutes or so. 

 Then put him up in the stable and after an hour 

 or two repeat the lesson. The object of this 

 treatment is to teach him to give up to pressure 

 on his mouth and also to render his neck flexible. 

 The lessons should be repeated, at intervals, for 

 several days, until he gets used to them. You are 

 now ready to put on his bridle. 



For this purpose all you need is an ordinary 

 bridle without blinders. The bit, as already 

 stated, should be thicker than usual at its ends, 

 as such a bit is easier and much less likely to make 

 the mouth sore. If it cannot be procured at the 

 stores, a skilful blacksmith can make one; in such 

 case, see to it that the work is nicely done and the 

 bit finished perfectly smooth, for otherwise you 

 will lose more than you gain. Tie one end of your 

 line into the near side of the bit, hold the other 

 end in your hand, and, with a long buggy whip, 

 make the colt go around you in a circle. Shift 

 to the other side from time to time, making him 

 go around the other way. In a few days you can 

 harness him and drive him about the yard, using 

 your cord for reins. 



To get a colt nicely bitted is an important part 



