SECRETARY'S REPORT. 221 



Attach a small cord twelve or fifteen feet in length to his 

 halter or bit, and lead him into the training inclosure, which 

 may be a barn floor, or a small yard with a tight, high fence. 

 Then, holding the cord in the left hand, and a long straight 

 whip in the right, step in front of the colt about six feet from 

 him, and say, " Come here, Charley," or whatever his name may 

 be, at the same time switching his fore-legs lightly to induce a 

 start. Draw him to you gently by the cord, and then pat him 

 on the forehead, and reward him with a piece of bread, a hand- 

 ful of oats, or something of the kind. Repeat this practice 

 until he will come quickly, though distant the whole length of 

 the cord. After a few lessons, the halter may be removed, and 

 he will readily obey the order when given, or come at the crack 

 of the whip. As soon as he has learned to have implicit confi- 

 dence in you, and to feel assured that you not only will not 

 injure him, but will reward him for quick obedience, he maybe 

 taken into an open field or the highway, and will soon learn to 

 come when called as certainly as a dog. 



This is an easy, but important trick, because it is readily 

 understood by the colt, and will furnish a good means of deter- 

 mining whether he has acquired the willingness and confidence 

 necessary in lys subsequent education. Be very cautious about 

 the use of the whip, or of harsh language, and remember that 

 perfect, cheerful obedience is your object, and that it can only 

 be secured by great patience and gentleness. 



To lie down. — Having the colt in the yard, with his bridle on, 

 take hold of the rein near the bit with your left hand, raise his 

 nigh fore-foot with your right hand. Now repeat the words, 

 " Lie down, sir," and gently draw his fore-foot back towards his 

 hind feet, and his head downwards and backwards. "Whenever 

 he becomes uneasy or weary, and turns around or straightens 

 up, let him have his own way ; but as soon as he permit, renew 

 the attempt as before, commanding him constantly to " Lie 

 down." He will, after a while, either lie down of his own accord, 

 or allow you to push him over gently with your shoulder. 

 While he is down feed and caress him until he becomes perfectly 

 quiet, and seems to be rested. Repeat this operation twice 

 every day, until the colt will lie down as soon as told to do so, 

 provided you pull down his head and gently tap his fore-leg. 



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