TRAINING VS. BREAKING 269 



over, with more patience and more gentleness, 

 until the colt acquiesces. It is most important 

 that all these first steps be taken quite slowly, 

 otherwise the colt will get hot and excited, and 

 then may come a fight which is the thing most 

 to be avoided. I can see a rough rider turning up 

 a scornful nose at these admonitions. Very well ! 

 Be scornful as much as you choose, I am not 

 writing about the training of a broncho, but of a 

 horse fit for a gentleman to ride. 



After the mounted colt goes quietly in the walk, 

 then he should be trotted gently, and if the rider 

 is a light weight, cantered, too. But as a two-year- 

 old work should be very light — play, indeed. At 

 three years old the colt may be confirmed in his 

 gaits, but not worked a great deal harder than at 

 two. At four years old the colt is ready for the fin- 

 ishing touches and the beginning of his life work. 

 But he is not nearly up to the hard work of which 

 he should be capable between six and sixteen. 



Trainers of colts for driving hitch them up 

 when they are yearlings, and drive them a little 

 to a low cart built with long shafts and running 

 out behind. Before being hitched up, however, he 



