90 HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



the head of the animal toward you. Taking into 

 your right hand, first, only that part going over its 

 head, slip the halter, with your left hand, gently over 

 the nose of the colt, taking care that he does not 

 start back, if the hand is placed over the same. As 

 soon as the halter is put on, fasten to it a long strap 

 or rope, and make the colt walk around the enclo- 

 sure, without pulling at him. As soon as he feels the 

 hand on the halter, having full play on the line to 

 stride forward, he will never pull, tug, rear, nor throw 

 himself down, which he would be sure to do, if held 

 by force at one place. The animal, not aware of his 

 strength, does not know that he could easily break 

 the halter, and he will never make use of his strength, 

 if not provoked by tugging and jerking. 



If the colt submits to being held by a short line, 

 and, without shying, permits you to approach, 

 proceed to make him tractable. For this pur- 

 pose, do not stop in front of the animal, trying to 

 pull it after you, but try to guide it to one side. 

 It will follow a gradual pull on the halter to that 

 side, not being able to offer much resistance with its 

 neck. As soon as it has made a few steps sideward, 

 caress and repeat the manoeuvre, until you can 

 guide it in any direction. 



By repeated practising, and by the increasing love 

 to its master, gained through gentle intercourse, it 



