THE HOESE. 
25 
Bitting. — Next comes the bitting. The bits should be large and 
smooth, and the reins buckled to a ling on either side of the pad. 
There are many curious and expensive machines for this purpose, but 
the simple rein will be quite sufficient. It should at first be slack, and 
then very gradually tightened. This will prepare for the more perfect 
manner in which the head will be afterward got into its proper posi- 
tion, when the colt is accustomed to the saddle. Occasionally the 
breaker should stand in front of the colt, and take hold of each side 
rein near to the mouth, and press upon it, and thus begin to teach him 
to stop and to back on the pressure of the rein, rewarding every act of 
docility, and not being too eager to punish occasional carelessness or 
waywardness. 
Shying. — The colt may now be taken into the road or street, to be 
gradually accustomed to the objects among which his services will be 
required. Here, from fear or playfulness, a considerable degree of start- 
ing and shying may be exhibited. As little notice as possible should be 
taken of it. The same or a similar object should be soon passed again, 
but at a greater distance. If the colt still shies, let the distance be still 
farther increased until he takes no notice of the object. ' Then he may 
be gradually brought nearer to it, and this will be usually effected with- 
out the slightest difficulty: whereas, had there been an attempt to 
force him close to it in the first instance, the remembrance of the con- 
test would have been associated with every appearance of the object, 
and the habit of shying would have been established. 
Use of the whip. — Hitherto, with a cool and patient breaker, the whip 
may have been shown, but will scarcely have been used ; the colt must 
now, however, be accustomed to this necessary instrument of authority. 
Let the breaker walk by the side of the animal, and throw his right 
arm over his back, holding the reins in his left, occasionally quickening 
his pace, and at the moment of doing this, tapping the horse with the 
whip in his right hand, and at first very gently. The tap of the whip 
and the quickening of the pace will soon become associated in the mind 
of the animal. If necessary, these reminders may gradually fall a little 
heavier, and the feeling of pain be the monitor of the necessity of in- 
creased exertion. The lessons of reining-in and stopping, and backing 
on the pressure of the bit, may continue to be practiced at the same 
time. 
Use to the Saddle. — He may now be taught to bear the saddle. Some 
little caution will be necessary at the first putting of it on. The breaker 
should stand at the head of the colt, patting him and engaging his at- 
tention, while one assistant on the offside gently places the saddle on 
the back of the animal, and another on the near side slowly tightens 
the girths. If he submits quietly to this, as he generally will when the 
previous process of breaking-in has been properly conducted, the cere- 
mony of mounting may be attempted on the following or on the third 
day. The breaker will need two assistants in order to accomplish this. 
He will remain at the head of the colt, patting and making much of him. 
The rider will put his foot into the stirrup aud bear a little weight 
upon it, while the man on the off side presses equally on the other 
stirrup-leather ; and according to the docility of the animal, he should 
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