SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X. 661 



As soon as the colts begin to drink skim-milk and eat grain their exer- 

 cise should be made a special feature every day for at least one or two 

 weeks, which will be readily conceded by everyone who ever tries it prop- 

 erly to be the very best ftime spent with the colts (subsequent to the first 

 few days of their life) for useful and tractable horses. 



The best exercise for the weanlings is by driving, single, double, or In 

 fours, as occasion and time requires. 



The home-made cart is without question the most valuable vehicle 

 tor the purpose I have ever devised or used for handling colts or even 

 bad-acting horses. The attachments are for the little colts and can be 

 used for driving in pairs or fours. 



The association of an experienced horse in the shafts makes the har- 

 ness work for weanling colts a great pleasure, and anybody who can drive 

 the horse can drive one, two, or four colts at one and the same time. 



The lessons should be short, but regular once or twice every day while 

 at it. The object is three-fold: First, the necessary exercise; second, the 

 entertainment of the colts in association with man instead of their dams; 

 and, third, the invaluable lessons which can be given with little or no 

 trouble. 



The natural laws are the governing principle in driving the weanling 

 colts in connection with a mature animal: First, the stronger ruling the 

 weaker; second, the colts learn by example and association with those 

 of riper age. Besides, the horse is practically the teacher and the man 

 on the cart the superintendent or director. 



The colts can be readily taught the following important and most valu- 

 able lessons, viz., to start at the word of command; to stop at the word 

 "Whoa;" to walk or trot, or run by simply controlling the shaft horse; to 

 drive over bridges, bad places, over ditches, through streams; hurry up or 

 slow down at the word; not to frighten at noises behind them, umbrella 

 (place of top buggy), etc., all with kind treatment. 



