II92 



Rl RAL School Leaflet 



age as possible. If taken in time and properly handled, he need never 

 know fear. A colt should never be frightened. Too many persons 

 thoughtlessly tr>' to tease the young colt by running at it or by throwing 

 sticks at it — practices that should never be indulged if a reliable animal 

 is to be developed. The colt should be taught useful lessons only. 



Teaching the colt to lead. — The colt, or foal, should be taught very early 

 the uses of the halter, first to lead, then to drive. But even before halter- 

 ing, the colt may be taught to stand over, to have his foot raised, and to 

 back. In handling the colt the trainer should be careful about the ears, 

 the back of the forelegs, and the flanks, as these parts are often very sensi- 

 tive. The colt should be caught by putting one hand under the neck and 

 the other under the hams or around the buttocks ; he should never be caught 

 around the neck alone, for if this is done, he will go backward and perhaps 

 fall. If he attempts to go forward the trainer should press back with the 

 hand under his neck; and if he attempts to go backward, should press for- 

 ward with the hand around the buttocks. Colts caught in this way will 

 allow persons to walk up to them; whereas if they are caught aroiind the 

 neck, there may be difficulty in getting near them. 



A strong, well-fitting halter should be chosen for the colt; it should not 

 be a new one that smells strangely to the colt, but one that has recently 



been used. Care should be 

 taken not to pull heavily on 

 the noseband at any time; 

 occasionally deformed face 

 lines and imperfect necks are 

 caused in this way. It is not 

 necessary to drag a colt by 

 the halter in order to teach 

 him to follow. After such 

 treatment, the reverse effect 

 is usual ; the harder the colt is 

 l)ulled, the harder he pulls 

 back. If, on the contrary, he 

 is coaxed along the accustomed 

 route, for example, to the water- 

 ing trough and back, he will 

 soon follow promptly. 



If the colt continues to re- 

 sist, however, other means 

 must be tried. At all events 

 the trainer should not stand in front of him and try to pull his head 

 forward, for he will roll his eyes, shake his head, and step back. Advan- 



Catching a foal the first time 



