170 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



to do it. Remember that some colts are slow-witted, 

 and easily confused ; and a single blow or yell, on the 

 part of the trainer, may throw him into a state of 

 temporary fear or exasperation, which totally unfits him 

 to understand even the simplest command. And here 

 let me urge upon the reader who has a colt, or colts, to 

 teach, that, if he has the habit of speaking sharply and 

 loudly, he correct himself of it at once. Colts are 

 timid, high-spirited things, if they are worth any thing ; 

 and he who manages them should be of quiet habits, 

 and have a low, pleasant-toned voice. The trainer that 

 yells stands in the same category as the driver in a 

 public race who screams and whoops like a Comanche 

 Indian when coming down the home-stretch : the one 

 should be banished the track, and the other turned out 

 of the gentleman's stables. But to return. My method 

 of educating a colt to the harness and wagon is to edu- 

 cate him singly, by himself; and this education should 

 begin very early. When the colt is twelve or four- 

 teen months old, begin to put the harness on him. In 

 a few weeks he is accustomed to it, and ready for the 

 shafts. But, in doing this, do not be in a hurry Give 

 the youngster time to get thoroughly acquainted with 

 every strap and buckle, as it were. Let him see every 

 thing, and smell every thing. The sense of sight, smell, 

 and touch, is the great avenue of knowledge to the 

 horse, especially the last two. The ear and eye give 

 the alarm. These two organs stand, as it were, on 

 picket for the animal's safety. But, if your horse is 



