1966-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1966 October Voice RS | Page 63

BITTING THE COLT A broken snaffel bit was chosen to start this colt with. It is a common type of bit with a large ring (see picture) on each side and is easy on the colts mouth. A caveson was used in conjunction with the bridle although it is not absolutely necessary' at this time. After the bridle and bit were in place, the colt was giv­ en time to adjust to the feeling of having this strange device in the mouth and was lead in the hallway a few times to adjust to the tugging and pull of the reins. NEW SHOES—Here you can see the farriers handiwork. Note the small pad between the shoe and the hoof. The hoof was trimmed evenly to give her a good firm footing at the natural angle of the hoof. Note the cushion made by the pad . . . protecting the frog and the underside of the foot while working the colt. THE FIRST RIDE On several previous occasions, this colt had been rid­ den bareback to adjust to having the weight of a person on her. She objected but soon learned that it would not hurt her. A saddle had also been put on her on several previous occasions. Her trainer for this “first ride” moved close to her and held the bridle and caveson straps in his left hand and while holding on to the front of the saddle and the reins at the same time with his right hand, put his left foot in the stirrup. As the colt moved about, he moved with her, making no attempt to mount at first. As soon as the colt became adjusted to this activity, he slowly rose in the stirrup and eased his leg over her back. The first impulse of this colt was to lunge from side to side and then she broke into a variety of gaits in an effort to dislodge her rider. It would be wise to point out here that we are break­ ing this colt in the hallway of a large training barn. This enables the colt to move about but gives some definite restrictions and enables the trainer to teach her the com­ mands of “start” and “go” at the same time she is be­ coming bridlewise. It has been said that a horse learns by “repetition and force” and the back and forth, end to end activity within the hall of a stable is good for a young horse. (Continued on page 66) KE BRIDLE & BIT—Note the broken snaffcl rings. The check leather and the reins are both attached FAKING it UP—The bridle was a bit too large for this ^articular colt and a new hold was punched in it to take it JD about one inch. Note that the caveson hangs loose under­ neath the colts chin. The bit should touch but not bind the orner of the colts mouth. 63 OCTOBER, 1966