TREATMENT OF THE FOAL 13 



Is to fasten a long trace to the headstall so that it drags 

 on the ground, and then, when the colt steps on the 

 trace, he will be held and so become accustomed to 

 being fastened. But, of course, this is not so thorough 

 a discipline as can be got by tying him to a post. 



The feet of the colt, especially during the first few 

 months of his life, should be looked after carefully. 

 Says H. L. Allen, a high authority: 



The form of the colt's legs depends largely upon the shape 

 his hoofs assume during colthood. Seldom do the hoofs grow 

 evenly. Sometimes they wear off on the inside, while the out- 

 side remains long, and that makes the bones of the leg assume 

 a position that causes him to toe out, and in the light harness 

 horse that means a knee-knocker when he comes to be used on 

 the road or track. On the other hand, if the inner side of the 

 hoof is allowed to become high and the outer side is worn off, 

 the colt becomes " pigeon-toed " which is almost as bad. Watch 

 the little fellow's feet closely, and with a rasp keep the hoofs 

 even and of proper shape. These details require but little time, 

 and will add greatly to the value of the colt in after years. 



When the colt Is In pasture his feet may not need 

 any attention, but when he is kept in the stable, and 

 the same thing would probably happen in a pasture 

 free from stones or gravel, his toes will grow out too 

 long and should be pared down at regular intervals. 

 When the foal is kept in the stable, as in winter, his 

 feet should be lifted and picked out every day to clean 

 them, and this process will accustom him to being 

 handled and will make It easy to shoe him when the 

 time comes. He should also be taught to back — in 

 fact, will learn to do so almost without your knowing It. 



