SECRETARY'S REPORT. 223 • 



If the colt be not very tractable, you can (iompcl him to sit 

 up by passing a rope over his neck between his fore-legs and 

 then around his off hind fetlock. Taking a firm hold of the 

 end of the rope with your right hand and thus drawing the liind 

 foot of the colt forward, you can prevent the possibility of his 

 rising without your permission. In very difficult cases this rope 

 may be held by an assistant, though as a general rule, it is 

 much better to operate entirely alone. 



To shake hands. — In teaching the colt this and many of the 

 following tricks, the training yard will be found the most 

 convenient place. 



Place yourself directly before the colt, and reach out your 

 hand for his foot, at tiie same time hitting him gently on the 

 fore-leg with your whip. He will soon begin to step or paw, 

 and then you are to take hold of his foot and bring it towards 

 you, talking to him pleasantly the while, and rewarding him for 

 his real or supposed obedience in the usual manner. 



By a little practice, a colt may be easily trained to approach, 

 make a bow, and shake hands, even without the use of halter 

 or whip, which makes him appear both intelligent and polite. 



To make a bow. — Place yourself before the colt in any con- 

 venient place, and make a low bow to him, saying, at the same 

 time, "How are you, Charley ?" or, " Good morning," or some- 

 thing of the sort. As you thus salute him, touch him on the 

 breast with your whip, or a sharp stick. This will irritate him 

 and cause him to nod his head in anger, or in endeavoring to 

 bite the stick, or whatever touches him. This nod you are to 

 accept as a bow, though not intended as such, and for this you 

 must caress and reward him with some agreeable morsel. After 

 a few lessons he will nod his head when saluted, without being 

 touched. 



To circle. — Take the colt into the yard, turn him loose, and 

 start him walking around you. Then, after two or three 

 circuits, say to him, " Turn, sir," at the same time stopping 

 him with your whip. Now pat and feed him, and repeat as 

 often as may be necessary, at different rates of speed, until he 

 will circle at any required gait, and turn at the crack of the 

 whip, or the word of command. You may now easily train 

 him to perform this trick in the street, or elsewhere, without a 

 halter. 



