ON THE BREEDINa OF HORSES. 185 



training and general management of horses. Farmers are apt to go 

 to one of two extremes with their colts — either to halter them and 

 drag them about through the heat of summer, on roads of all kinds, 

 alongside their dams at w^ork, or else to turn them out to run wild 

 during the first six months of their existence, out of sight and hear- 

 ing of human beings. Now, we take exception to both these meth- 

 ods of proceeding ; to the first, because the limbs and feet of the 

 young animal are tender, and apt to be strained and bruised by 

 being compelled to keep up with the dam, even when walking, for 

 several consecutive miles. The young colt requires frequent rest, 

 and should be at liberty to lie down whenever inclination prompts. 

 When the colt becomes tired it drags on its halter, straining the 

 cords of the neck, back and legs. It is also disadvantageous to 

 allow the young animal to run too long without subjection, for 

 when the attempt is made he will resist with great force and often 

 with injury. At the risk, then, of some extra work, we advise 

 that the colt be accustomed to be handled often, until he has no 

 fear to approach persons, and when they always receive caresses, 

 they are very ready to do so. At two months old, put on the hal- 

 ter ; but allow the colt to go very much as he likes, occasionally 

 drawing him towards you and caressing him. In two hours you 

 will have imperceptibly broken him to lead. Then, when you tie 

 him, do so with a halter he cannot break — a short struggle will 

 satisfy him he is conquered. Never suffer any one to strike or 

 yell at a colt ; one such barbarous act will cause a day's work to 

 overcome its bad eflfect. When first cleaning him, avoid the head — 

 then approach that part tenderly, and if he resists go to some other 

 point. In a few moments retui'n, and so continue till he submits 

 with pleasure, rather, to being handled and rubbed anywhere and 

 on any part. Your colt is then half broken. Wean the colt at 

 five or six months old, first teaching him while suckling the mare 

 to eat oats. When taken from the dam confine the colt closely, 

 and put them out of hearing of each other for one week. During 

 the first winter, feed daily two quarts of oats and all the hay the 

 colt will eat. This with good warm shelter will keep him growing 

 and improving. Don't turn out in spring till the weather is set- 

 tled and warm, and a full bite of grass. The first year makes or 

 ruins the colt. It is the most important of his life. Keep him fat 

 the first year, whatever you do afterwards, for this year decides 

 whether he is to be a full grown horse or a miserable pony — no 



