80 The Diseases of Animals 
Choice between open and blind bridles must be governed 
by circumstances. <A driving horse used with an open 
bridle generally “knows too much,” and often assumes 
that, because he has seen a person get into the vehicle, 
he is ready to start; or, because the driver takes the 
whip he expects to receive a “cut”; and he often jumps 
when it is not desirable. Horses which “shy” at objects 
along the road usually go much better when carefully 
driven with an open bridle. 
In breaking colts, a large, smooth bit is to be pre- 
ferred. There are on the market some slightly flexi- 
ble leather-covered bits that are excellent. A straight 
or a single-joint bit is generally used. After the colt 
is thoroughly familiar with the bitting rig, a saddle, 
back strap and crupper of a single harness should be 
earefully put on and be kept on for an hour or two 
daily until he is used to it. When this is accomplished, 
a bridle can be put on, the lines passed through the 
tugs, or loops made for the shafts, and the colt driven. 
By passing the lines through the tug loops the colt can 
be prevented from whirling around and getting tangled 
up in the lines. It is usually a good plan to have an 
attendant lead the colt until he understands what is 
expected of him. 
One of the first things to teach a colt is to stop at 
the command “Whoa,” and to stand. The command 
should be used for the one purpose of making him stop. 
Many drivers use the word frequently in driving ner- 
vous or irritable horses, but, instead, they should use 
other encouraging or soothing words. 
After the colt is broken to drive single, the breeching 
