32 DOMESTIC) ANIM^VLS. 



minutes' job. Ilitcli a gentle horse by the stable door, and when all 

 obstructions arc removed, approach the colt on the opposite side quietly 

 and slowly. To avoid you, he will move toward the horse and unsus- 

 piciously enter the stable. The doorway is a novel thing to him — he 

 possesses not the least idea of its purpose — he sees an opening and 

 passes in to get away from those coming too near him, and the prox- 

 imity of the trained horse insures his safety. Should he escape, patiently 

 repeat the process. When secured, lead away the horse and give the 

 colt a handful of grain. 



General Rules. — As general rules for the various operations, Mr. Rarey 

 recommends that the shed or stable used should be light, and high 

 enough to admit of a man's riding around without danger to his head ; 

 that chickens, swine, and other animals be excluded, as serving to at- 

 tract the attention of the horse ; that on no account shall any person 

 accompany the tamer, or be present at his operations, in order that the 

 attention of the horse be not divided between two or more objects ; that 

 before entering the stable the tamer shall know accurately all the pro- 

 cesses he intends to go through with the horse; and that sufficient time 

 must be given the animal, at each stage of the proceedings, to fully com- 

 prehend what is being done, and what is wanted of him. 



Putting on the Halter. — After your introduction to the colt, and by 

 familiarity he has become at ease in your presence, you may proceed to 

 halter him. A rope halter should never be used — one made of leather 

 and properly fitted is the article needed. Approach him, and, after a 

 few caresses, smoothing his head and neck without moving, fasten the 

 end of the halter-strap about his neck. You stand at the left side of 

 the colt. Laying your right arm across his neck, put, with your left 

 hand, the long or buckle end of the upper part of your halter under his 

 neck; hold it loosely with your right hand, and then loose your strap. 

 Now you can lowx'r the upper part ; slip his nose into the appropriate 

 place, and buckling the upper part, you have haltered your colt without 

 in the least frightening him. Let him run around you, taking care 

 never to check him roughly or draw him violently in any direction. 

 Gradually approach him by shortening your hold upon the halter, until 

 you can lay your hand upon his neck and again caress. When you 

 have repeated this operation a few times, he will suffer you to reach 

 his side without flying back or running away, and he is now ready for 

 taking an advance step in his education. 



Leading the Colt. — Up to this period the colt is ignorant of his strength, 

 and it behooves the instructor to keep him so. If violence is resorted 

 to — if the attempt to make him follow is instituted by pulling — he re- 

 sists, .and a battle commences. Stand a little on the near side, rub the 

 nose and forehead, pull gently upon the strap, touching at the same 

 time the hind-legs lightly with a whip, and he will start and advance a 

 few steps. Repeat the operation several times, and he will soon learn 

 to follow by gently pulling upon the halter. 



Saddling and Bridling. — During themanipulations heretofore described, 

 the mouth of the young colt should be frequently handled. Put a snaffle 

 between his teeth, holding it with one hand while you caress him with 

 the other. After a short time he will permit the bridle being placed 



