HOW TO STABLE A COLT. 41 



slowly and considerately enough about it. They do not 

 know that in handling a wild horse, above all other 

 things, is that good old adage true, that " haste makes 

 waste ;" that is, waste of time — for the gain of trouble 

 and perplexity. 



One wrong move may frighten your horse, and make 

 him think it necessary to escape at all hazards for the 

 safety of his life — and thus make two hours' work of a 

 ten minutes' job ; and this would be all your own fault, 

 and entirely unnecessary — for he will not run unless you 

 run after him, and that would not be good policy unless you 

 knew that you could outrun him, for you will have to let 

 him stop of his own accord after all. But he will not try 

 to break aw^ay unless you attempt to force him into 

 measures. If he does not see the w'ay at once, and is a 

 little fretful about going in, do not undertake to drive 

 him, but give him a little less room outside, by gently 

 closing in around him. Do not raise your arms, but let 

 them hang at your side, for you migbt as well raise a 

 club : the horse has never studied anatomy, and does not 

 know but that they will unhinge themselves and fly at him. 

 If he attempts to turn back, walk before him, but do not 

 run ; and if he gets past you, encircle him again in the 

 same quiet manner, and he will soon find that you are 

 not going to hurt him ; and then you can walk so close 

 around him that he will go into the stable for more room, 

 and to get farther from you. As soon as he is in, re- 

 move the quiet horse and shut the door. This will be 

 his first notion of confinement — not knowing how he 

 got into such a place, nor how to get out of it. That he 

 may take it as quietly at possible, see that the shed is 

 entirely free from dogs, chickens, or anything that would 

 annoy him. Then give him a few ears of corn, and let 

 him remain alone fifteen or twenty minutes, luitil he has 



