THE COLT. 58 



one on each side of his neck, and then let some one start the colt 

 out, turning your horse to the left. Any kind and aged colt may 

 be managed this way without trouble, for if he tries to run ahead 

 or pull back the two straps will bring the two facing each other, 

 so that you can very easily follow up his movements without 

 doing much holding. If he gets stubborn and does not want to 

 go, you can remove all his stubbornness by riding your horse 

 against his neck, thus compelling him to turn to the right, and 

 as soon as turned about a few times he will be willing to go 

 along. He may now be haltered. The rope halter should not 

 be used. A good, strong leather halter should be used so as not 

 to hurt his mouth. Be as kind and gentle toward him as ])ossible, 

 but always continuing the attitude of master. He must be made 

 to understand that his master's will is his highest law, and that 

 no alternative is open to his choice. Do not suffer him at any 

 time to obtain any advantage in pulling about by the halter or 

 bridle, or in running away. The latter occurrence even once 

 may nearly ruin him. It will take months of careful manage- 

 ment to correct its evil effects, and often it forms the l)eginning 

 of a series of bad habits. 



HOW TO PROCEED WITH THE COLT AFTER HALTERING. 



Stand on the left side, pretty well back to his shoulders, taking- 

 hold of that part of the halter that goes around his neck, then 

 with your two hands about his neck you can hold his head to you 

 and raise the halter on it without making him dodge by jiutting 

 your hands about his nose. A long rope should be ready, and as 

 soon as you have the halter on, attach this to it so that you can 

 let him walk the length of the stable without letting go the strap. 

 When he runs fi'om you it is licst to give him rope. V>y doing so 

 he will not rear up or throw himself, and still you wijl be hold- 

 ing him and doing more towards gentling him than if you had 

 the power to snul) him right up and hold him to one spot. In a 

 few minutes you can begin to control him with the halter; then 

 shorten the distance between yourself and the colt by taking up 



