Method of Catching the Foal .31 



jump away. In this way, he will soon learn that he 

 can escape being caught. To avoid this we should 

 always go about the young animal in a very quiet 

 manner. Never make a quick movement in catch- 

 ing him, as this will serve to frighten him and make 

 him more difficult to catch the next time. Never 

 attempt to catch him unless sure of success, for if he 

 succeeds in getting away, it is not at all likely that he 

 will forget it soon. 



Children and thoughtless persons often try to 

 make the youngster show off by doing something to 

 frighten him, as throwing sticks, ^'shooing," running 

 at him and the like. This should never be done. 

 Such actions serve to make the animal more difficult 

 to catch and handle, and in fact may so frighten a 

 highly nervous one- as to cause him to injure himself 

 in an attempt to get away. If it is desired to see the 

 foal in action, lead the mare away and the youngster 

 will follow, when his action may be noted. 



Secure the foaVs confidence while young. — After 

 catching the foal and handling him as suggested, it 

 is important that we secure his complete confidence 

 before he is set free. If for some reason the young- 

 ster should make his escape after being caught and 

 held fast, but before his confidence is secured, he 

 will be very difficult to catch the next time. In view 

 of this fact much care must be taken to dispell all 

 fear. Loving kindness is an important factor in 

 securing this confidence. Feeding sweets from the 



