44 The Horse Farrier. 



a few remarks in addition to Mr. Davis' method. The 

 training of colts should . commence at an early age. 

 As they advance towards maturity they become more 

 fixed in their habits, are more resolute in their temper, 

 less able to be taught, and are able to offer greater 

 resistance, and there is less danger of their injuring 

 themselves or their trainer, by their efforts to free 

 themselves from restraint. The training of a colt may 

 commence before they are a month old, by handling, 

 caressing, currying, and making a pet of them, tak- 

 ing care to touch them only in such places as are 

 agreeable to them, such as the back, jowls, and the un- 

 der side of the neck, taking care to avoid the ears. 

 A halter may be put on when three months old, one 

 that will be impossible for them to break. Fasten it to 

 the collar of the mare, and teach them to follow the 

 mare thus early, being careful that they do not hang 

 back on the halter. The habit once confirmed, it will 

 be difficult to break them of it. Let perfect kindness 

 characterise all your first efforts — reward every act of 

 obedience, and bring them under perfect subjection. 



Of all the vicious habits which are found in horses, 

 we believe nine-tenths are owing to unkind treatment, 

 harsh usage, and improper management. 



A colt may be broken to do very light work in har- 

 ness at two years old, but should not be backed, ex- 

 cept by a small boy, until three, and a light man until 

 four years old. When he becomes accustomed to the 

 reins, a person may take hold of the traces and occas- 

 ionally pull on them, teaching the colt to keep steadily 



