318 Effective Farming 



Teaching the colt to lead. At the third lesson he should be 

 broken to the lead. To do this, loosen the rope from the post, 

 step away from the colt, tell him to come and follow the com- 

 mand with a pull on the rope. As soon as he steps forward 

 pet him, then step away and repeat the command. Soon he 

 will follow without the pull on the rope. About half an hour 

 is long enough for this lesson. 



The next lesson should be started with the crupper rope in 

 position, but it should be removed after a brief workout and 

 the halter used alone. Lessons without the crupper rope should 

 be continued until the colt has learned to lead well. 



Handling the feet of the colt. While breaking a colt to lead, 

 it is well to accustom him to having his feet handled and also 

 to trim the hoofs. Careful trimming of the feet of colts often 

 avoids such trouble as knock-knees, bow-legs, pigeon-toes, 

 cow-hocks, interfering, and paddling. Begin the work of 

 handling the feet with the near front foot. Tie a rope around 

 the pastern, grasp the rope close to the foot, push against the 

 shoulder of the colt, and at the same time quickly lift the foot, 

 rub it gently, and let it down. Repeat this operation several 

 times after which trim and level the hoof. To raise a hind 

 foot, put a rope on the pastern, draw the foot forward, and 

 smooth it with the hand. Repeat this several times and 

 follow by bringing the foot to the shoeing position and trim- 

 ming the hoof. 



Teaching the colt the commands used in driving. After a colt 

 has been broken to lead he should be broken to drive in the 

 harness. This means to go forward, to stop, to rein to right 

 or left, and to back. A bitting harness may be used to accus- 

 tom the colt to bit and harness. This consists of an open 

 bridle and snaffle bit, check and side reins, surcingle, and 

 crupper. For the first lesson leave side and check reins loose 

 and turn the colt into a small paddock for an hour. On the 

 next day tighten the reins a little and turn him loose again 

 for an hour. On the third day put on the driving lines, take 



