HORSES AND MULES. 275 



two or three years old, and then beginning his training, is un- 

 natural, cruel, harmful in every way. A colt gentled in the 

 way we have described is worth at the age of three years double 

 the value of the unbroken colt. Neglected till he is three 

 years old the colt can never he properly broken. He may be sub- 

 dued to sullen obedience, but by the above method he may be 

 made the willing servant of man, whom he has learned to regard 

 as his friend, as well as master. Nothing but the most stupid dis- 

 regard of the law of kindness can make this patient, docile and 

 naturally obedient animal, vicious. 



But as there are some who will still persist in destroying this 

 most valuable trait of character in their most valuable property, 

 we shall give directions for breaking these already, half spoiled 

 animals. 



The more high spirited and the mure valuable the colt is, the 

 more likely is he to be spoiled, by trying to do at three years 

 old the work that should have been done before he was one. 



He should be brought into the stable, and visited, and 

 handled often, until he is somewhat used to it, then portions of 

 the harness tried on ; if he can be accustomed to it without 

 showing fear, lead him out into the yard, and make him turn to 

 the right or left at the word or the reins. If he refuses to obey, 

 which is quite likely, we know of no way but to whip him into 

 subjection. When he does obey caress and reward him. If 

 you succeed in making him obey heio, fasten him beside a 

 steady horse with a light wagon, and make him go, peaceably 

 if he will, forcibly if you must. If after all these operations he 

 shies from the harness, tries to run from the wagon, or refuses 

 to draw, do not give it up, but use every exertion to bring him 

 to submission, and, finally, to the process known as taming. 

 No horse properly gentled and trained according to the above 

 directions will need taming, but as the majority of colts are 



