32 Training the Foal 



palm of the hand, such as a httle granulated sugar 

 pressed between the lips, will aid materially in se- 

 curing the youngster's confidence. Sugar, being 

 sweeter than the dam's milk, seems to give him the 

 idea that we are his friend, and instead of fleeing as 

 we enter the stall he will come to meet us, placing as 

 much confidence in us as in his mother. The im- 

 portance of securing the colt's confidence at this 

 early age is very significant, as he is likely to retain 

 the pleasant recollection throughout life. 



Avoid confusing the foal. — In handling the foal, 

 we should go about the work coolly and with con- 

 fidence. We should be careful to avoid confusing or 

 exciting him. It must be remembered that there is 

 little connection between the two sides of the ani- 

 mal's brain, and he may be perfectly familiar with 

 us from one side and yet become greatly excited if 

 caught from the other side. To avoid this confusion, 

 handle the foal from both sides. He should become 

 familiar with strange objects from every quarter. 



In training the youngster, it is important that the 

 first lessons be of such a nature that they can be un- 

 derstood very easily and even more easily accom- 

 plished. The foal of course must understand what 

 is wanted before he can be expected to accomplish 

 the task. When he fully understands what is ex- 

 pected of him, he will do it with surprising rapidity. 

 Confusion resulting from not understanding what 

 is wanted often so excites or frightens the animal 



