24 



seeing the horse in the barn, they go in without fur- 

 ther trouble. The next step is to remove the quiet 

 horse and shut the door. This is the colt's first idea 

 of confinement, hardly knowing how he got into such 

 a place, nor how to get out of it; so he must take it 

 as quietly as possible. See that everything is so 

 arranged that he cannot jump over or crawl under; 

 also, a clean floor. 



Everything is now properly arranged for the colt 

 to receive his first lesson. And how is it to be ac- 

 complished ? Some individual, unacquainted with a 

 correct sj^stem of handling wild and vicious horses, 

 would sa}^ the plan I adopt, by w^hich to halter and 

 lead quietly, wild horses, would so frighten them it 

 would prove a failure. But quite the reverse. Pre- 

 pare yourself with a good spring- top whip, with long 

 switch. Step into the barn ; close the door ; all is 

 now safe. You are alone with the colt, nothing to 

 attract his attention but yourself Stand quietly for 

 a f3w moments, and he will eye you closely; then 

 take your whip in right hand ; give it a sharp crack ; 

 at the same time approach the colt, so tlie distance 

 from him is the length of the w^hip, and give him 

 some sharp cuts around the hind legs, and under the 

 flank ; never strike him forward of his quarters. Af- 

 ter applying your whip in such a manner for about 

 one minute, then take your whip in your left hand, 

 at the same time hold out your right, and gently 

 approach him, saying, " Ho ! boy ; " but in approach- 

 ing him, if he turns and runs from you, again apply 



