A few months ago I got a new pair of boots. I about have them "broke in". It had nothing to do with ruining them... or making them unusable, but rather finding them conforming to my feet. Not much better than good pair of boots on my feet that have been broke in. Rachel is breaking a colt to lead. Has nothing to do with ruining it. The last thing we do and as good horsemen throughout the centuries is to desire to crush the spirit of a horse. But the desire is to conform the horse to fit of a capable horseman.
***
Yes.. we still break horses here on the ranch.. just as it has been done for over a century. Yes... we cowboy on horseback too. Before we critique how it has been done in years past.. realize there have been many good horsemen that have done very well at breaking in horses... just like a good pair of boots. And that has worked well... "A good fit one might say".