TRAINING THE COLT 



H. E. HoPKiis^s, Attica, N. Y. 



INTRODUCTION 



Training the colt for farm work is very 

 important, since mnch of the value of the 

 colt depends upon how well it is trained. 

 We all know it is a great pleasure to drive 

 or ride a well-trained horse, one that is 

 ^^^ safe either on the road or at w^ork. The 

 J^^^, i^^^B farm horse should be well trained in every 

 ' ^^^* way because he has a greater variety of 



work than any other class of horses. He 

 guides the corn-planter, the grain drill, 

 spraver, and many other farm implements which must be drawn 

 straight and steady. In addition to this, he must be safe for the 

 ladies to ride and drive on the public highways. A well-trained 

 horse that has confidence in the driver or rider may be controlled 

 no matter what might frighten him. 



A horse has a very keen memory, which is formed by habit. 

 Therefore, a trainer should be very careful not to develop any 

 undesirable habits, for they will be remembered quite as well as 

 the good ones. Be sure that the colt understands what is wanted 

 of him. The trainer should be firm and accomplish what he at- 

 tempts, but care should be taken not to attempt too much. 



METHODS OF TRAINING 



Training may be divided into two classes — slow method and 

 rapid method. The slow method depends upon repetition to fix 

 the ideas and commands, while the rapid method uses intensity 

 of impression to fix ideas. Most farmers who raise only a few 

 colts each year are situated so that they can use the slow method 

 and handle the colts from foaling time up to the age of 

 11 [161] 



