now TO TRAIN A COLT. 179 



sultations held upon the issue of which the health and 

 safety of valuable property depend. Plans are formed, 

 and methods of procedure adopted, upon which fame, 

 and vast sums of money, come and go. Faults of na- 

 ture, and errors of education and practice, are corrected ; 

 and the trainer discovers, that, in schooling God's crea- 

 tures, he is being schooled himself Thus, as in all 

 other branches of honorable industry, the horseman 

 discovers that he is the point from which one current 

 goes forth, and another enters in. He bestows, and he 

 receives ; he educates, and is educated ; and the life 

 which so many thoughtless people despise, closes, as in 

 the case of Hiram Woodruff, — the upright in heart 

 and act, — with honor, and a fame which can fail only 

 when kindness toward animals, and integrity among 

 men, are regarded as of no account. 



It is, as I have said, impossible for a writer to lay 

 down rules adequate for the trainer's guidance and 

 direction in the management of vicious or irritable colts ; 

 for very likely no two cases require the same treat- 

 ment. These points may, however, be made : Keep your 

 temper. No matter how provoked : put a severe curb 

 upon the rising of passion. A cool head, and calm and 

 steady nerves, with a quick eye, will go far towards 

 success in conflicts with even the most irritating animals. 

 Moreover, never forget that the law of kindness is 

 stronger in its influence on the animal creation than the 

 law of force. Remember this also : Do not make much 

 noise when having a contest with a colt. Say little to 



