HOW TO TRAIN A HORSE. 



211 



VI. To Make a Colt Come to You. 



Have a lone flexible whip. Place yourself just so far ahead of the colt 

 that you can easily touch him in the flank, and then bid him "come here," 

 at the same time pulling on the halter. If he will not come, tap him m 

 the flank, or on the fore legs, and so continue until he obeys. If he pulls 

 back, checkhim, and continue touching him until he comes up. Then pet 

 him and give him a small taste of sugar, or something he likes. Continue 

 in this way until he comes readily at the word. The colt will not always 

 become perfect under the first or second lesson. Perseverance wnll accom- 

 plish each and every other lesson more easily than if violence were used. 

 VII. Lessons in Sound Signals. 



We have shown that the first lessons are to accustom' the colt to 

 prompt obedience to the will of the trainer, as expressed by the voice or 

 signals. The voice, however, must be the chief reliance. The signal by 

 sound, should precede the signal by sign, or the check by the strap or rein : 

 and should always precede the tap of the whip, when the whip is necessary. 



A child is taught to speak through its po^Ner of imitation. If it 

 never heard spoken language, it would never learn to articulate 

 speech. So, the same word should always be used, to induce the perform- 

 ance by the colt of a certain act, as : Whoa ! Back ! Go on ! Come here ! 

 When this has been accomplished, and the colt has been taught to stand 

 at rest, to lead quietly or to circle about the tutor, at the end of the 

 rein, he should next be taught to follow the master about the yard -with- 

 out leading, first with the halter strap in the hand, the tutor backing as 

 the colt follows, and afterwards with the strap over the neck of the colt. 



The preliminary lesson in backing may be taught, l)y taking the colt 

 by the head, standing in front of him, and using the word "back," at 

 the same time, pressing in the proper direction, and tapping it on the 

 breast, if necessary. After a time the animal 

 will back promptly and continuously at the 

 word. This lesson, and all others of flexions, 

 must be taught with the bridle and bit, since to 

 back easily and properly, the head must be 

 raised. 



In all first lessons the form of the halter 

 is important. AVe give that of a good one, 

 which will not hurt the colt unless he pulls 

 strongly on it. Upon ceasing, the halter will 

 let up of itself. When once the animal is taught 

 to stand quietly, an ordinary halter may be 



,^g(J^ A GOOD FOBM FOR A HALTliB, 



