TRAINING. 
349 
positions, who destroy their temper by cruelty and inju¬ 
dicious severity. Others again are taught all manner of 
tricks for the gratification of idle folly. Tractability 
steadiness, and good temper are the qualities for which 
a horse is chiefly valuable to man; so that the utmost 
attention should be paid by breeders to points on which de¬ 
pend so much of the safety and comfort of those who may 
become their owners. Indeed gentle treatment has been 
more effectual in taming wild animals than any other. 
Much difference of opinion prevails as to the time which 
horses ought to be worked. My unalterable belief is, that 
at three years is the earliest period at which a horse should 
be used either for the turf, hunting, the road, or harness; 
consequently breaking-in should not be completed until 
after the second winter, although of course it ought to be 
gone about gradually from his weaning. A bit should be 
selected with a plain snaffle, that will not hurt his mouth, 
and it ought to be of a small size, in the centre of which 
should be attached a stabbering-bit, which, resting gently 
upon the tongue, excites the horse to move his jaws, and 
prevents him from pressing too heavily upon it, as this 
would deaden and harden the mouth, which is one of the 
worst faults a horse can have. He should be accustomed 
to the use of it in his mouth for some days before the hand 
of the trainer is applied to it. He ought then to be led out, 
and gently checked by it when he is getting too playful, 
until by degrees he will bear its control without manifesting 
irritation. 
After the colt has thus been partially broken-in, the next 
thing to teach him is implicit obedience to his instructor. 
This should be effected by steadiness and firmness, while 
severity should be carefully avoided He should be spoken 
to in a soothing, rather than an angry tone of voice. He 
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