MANAGEMENT OF THE HOESE. 35 



depot or flour mill for fear the unusual noise and rattling of the cars 

 and machinery would startle the colt, causing him to attempt to run 

 for home, and perhaps breaking the cart. 



In fact, John would never permit the colt to approach an 

 object near enough to understand the nature of it, nor to have 

 the harness or tugs touch him about the feet or between his legs, 

 to prevent any liability of his kicking. Neither would he let 

 him go near any place or object where he would hear any unusual 

 noise. 



Having handled and driven the colt in this gentle and careful 

 old-fashioned manner for about a year, the old gentlemen con- 

 sidered him perfectly broken, and as being a kind and safe animal 

 that had never yet kicked or ran away. 



The following season he had another colt to break, and John was 

 given the task. 



The first colt broken, being considered thoroughly trained, was 

 given to a new hand to do plowing with. 



This colt accidentally stepped over the tug, by which act the tug 

 was forced against the inside of his legs, where as yet he had never 

 been touched by any object. 



The consequence of his being touched in this unhandled part 

 was that he got frightened, and, obeying the impulse of Ms 

 nature, kicked out at the objectionable tug in self-preservation, 

 and started off at a run to free himself from his imaginary 

 danger. 



The old gentleman, on seeing the fleeing horse, with fragments of 

 the harness dangling about him, was naturally amazed to see the colt 

 that during all the year in which he had been handled and driven by 

 John, and had never shown a disposition to kick or run away, acting 

 in such a manner. 



He had been impressed with the idea that the colt was perfectly 

 trained and gentle. 



