42 Training the Foal 



at the command, do not pull on the lines. When 

 he stops at the command alone, reward him. 



The next day, after driving for a short time and 

 stopping at the command ''whoa," the foal should 

 be taught the meaning of the term ''get up." To 

 do this, start the animal by the command "get up," 

 followed immediately by a rather sharp tap upon the 

 rump. Tap the animal according to what he will 

 stand and not so as to frighten him. As soon as he 

 is going normally, stop by the command "whoa" and 

 caress him. Repeat the process until he will start at 

 the command alone. 



The following day teach the foal the meaning of 

 the term "back." This should first be done in the 

 way already suggested ; that is, by holding the hal- 

 ter in one hand and applying pressure between the 

 shoulder points with the other, at the same time 

 giving the command "back." Repeat until the 

 youngster will move back at the command alone. 

 Now you are ready to snap on the lines and teach him 

 to back from behind. At first it may be necessary 

 to pull on the lines following the command. Repeat 

 and reward him until he will back at the command. 

 By the third day the foal should respond to all three 

 commands. 



VALUE OF EARLY TRAINING 



The time required to carry out the above sugges- 

 tions is but fifteen minutes for six consecutive days, 



