156 FEEDING AND FITTING A HORSE. 



Yearling colts should have three quarts of 

 oats per day ; their other food must be abundant 

 and good. When two years old in the spring, 

 give four quarts of oats per day ; when three 

 years old give six quarts, and when four years 

 old give eight quarts daily. 



2. To Mouth and Bit a Colt, — The bitting 

 must not be continued long at a time, from five 

 to twenty minutes is sufficient, great care must 

 be observed not to overdo the colt as short les- 

 sons, often repeated, make a better impression 

 and are more lasting-. When the colt becomes 

 fatigued his temper will begin to rise, and I am 

 satisfied that two-thirds of horses viciously in- 

 clined are made so by improper handling when 

 young. In handling a two-year-old trotter the 

 utmost care, as well as gentleness and firmness, 

 must be exercised. It was not customary, in for- 

 mer times, to handle colts until they were four 

 years old, but later experience has shown the 

 advantages of beginning at an earlier age. A 

 colt can be taught at two years old, and be made 

 to trot at three if the handling is properly done. 



