DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 657 



such, place a spring-pole, a pretty stiff one, on the opposite side of the manger 

 so he shall not see it; then pass the halter-strap, or what is better, a rope halter, 

 that may pass through a hole in the partition or boards, put up for the purpose, 

 passing to the pole, which shall give him at least 3 or 4 feet of play, and he 

 will soon try his full strength upon it; but if properly done it will still hold 

 him, and he will finally walk up to the manger — " the captain's ofiice " — and 

 consider his passage paid for life on not a very large number of pulls either, if 

 it is skillfully arranged. I have seen this done effectually and satisfactorily by 

 taking the colt to the woods and trimming a sapling of such a size as to have 

 the right spring to it, then cut off the top at a proper height, bending down and 

 tying a long rope to the top and to the halter, then letting it up gently, when 

 the contest would begin, but always with victory to the sapling, with only a few 

 trials, although it is believed to be best to have the sapling hidden from his 

 sight, yet he hardly suspects the sapling of being his opponent. 



Colts, to Teach How to Back. — When a colt has been somewhat 

 accustomed to the harness, after our method of training and breaking, it will be 

 well also to teach him how to back in the following manner: Having put on a 

 bridle, lead him to the top of rather sloping ground, not very steep, placing 

 the hind feet down the slope; then facing him, taking hold of the reins, close 

 to the bits, with a hand on each side, press him gently backward, at the same 

 time saying "Back, back," while you follow him, guiding him as he backs, 

 to keep him descending the hill or slope, and not allowing him to turn sideways, 

 stopping occasionally to caress him, but under no circumstances allow yourself 

 to strike him, and he will very soon learn what is wanted of him and will will- 

 ingly do it at the word being spoken every time, if done with patience and gen- 

 tleness. After he has learned it fairly on the descending ground, do the same 

 upon the level, after which harness him to a light empty buggy or wagon and 

 do the same thing, first upon descending ground, tlien upon the level; and 

 finally, if upon a road where the ground is solid, you may get into the vehicle, 

 and with the reins gently pull upon him, always repeating the words, " Back, 

 back," until he perfectly understands what is desired of him, when he will do 

 it as readily as any other thing. It is only that horses do not know what is 

 wanted of them, or that they are at first required to back greater loads than 

 they are able to do, that there is so much trouble in backing them. If the colt 

 is taught, the horse will know how to do it. And this plan is as applicable to 

 horses as it is to colts; but for horses which have not had the advantage of 

 training and breaking while a colt, as above indicated, it will require more time, 

 as well as more patience, and a greater amount of gentleness, to accomplish the 

 undertaking. Observe the three things above indicated and you will never fail: 

 I. To place the colt or the horse with his back down hill. 

 II. When harnessed, let it be only to a light empty wagon. 

 III. Always be perfectly kind and gentle, teaching him what you desire him 

 to know. Take only one at first, and after he is learned, if you have a mate 

 for him, do the same with him; and finally, harness them together and carefully 

 do the same with the span. It will more than pay in ihe after usefulness of the 

 horses for aU the labor and pains of teaching. 

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