ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. 23 



hirn in the stall for the first time, observe the following 

 rule : — Examine your stnble very closely, in order to as- 

 certain that there are no loose nor broken planks in the 

 floor, also see that the rack, manger and lining of the 

 stall is sound and all right. All is now in readiness; 

 lead him quietly up to the stall. If he shows any sign 

 of fear, let him stop for a few moments ; talk gently ; also 

 pat him on the neck. By so doing, you will dispel his 

 fear, and he will quietly pass into the stall. Now for 

 the plan of hitching him. If you should hitch him with 

 the tie-strap, as is generally practiced, some little noise 

 on the scaffold above, (such as the scratching of hens, or the 

 like), would cause him to stare, pull, break loose, and 

 soon he is a confirmed halter-puller. The plan we adopt 

 for hitching the colt the first time is simple and effectual. 

 Procure a piece of rein webbing fifteen feet in length, or 

 a strap one and a fourth inches wide, of the same length. 

 Get the center of said web or strap ; now buckle a 

 common web surcingle around his body, just back of the 

 shoulder, then lay your webbing across his hips, carry one 

 end forward between the surcingle and body on the left 

 side, the opposite end between the surcingle and body on 

 the off side of the 'colt, the center resting across his hips, 

 the ends carried forward ; now take the center of the 

 webbing in your right hand and give it one turn over ; that 

 leaves it crossed upon his hips ; now carry the center 

 back, and pass his tail through the loop that you made 

 by turning the center of the webbing over — the same 

 as crupping with harness; step forward, reach your left 

 hand through under the colt's neck, and tie them snug 

 around the chest; next carry the end of your tie-strap 

 through the hole or ring in the manger, bring back and 



