chaptf:r X. 



THE COLT S EDUCATION. 



It Should Begin Early — Some IMethods — Gentleness Neces- 

 sary — Tying Securely — Forming Good Habits — In 

 General. 



A colt should be really broken before it is ever put before 

 any vehicle, and then there will be little trouble with it. To 

 hitch a wild and unmanageable 

 colt to a wagon or a sleigh the 

 first time is about as foolish a 

 thing as can be done. It should 

 be taught to do everything re- 

 quired of it except pulling at the 

 collar, before it is ever made fast 

 to anything, and then there is no 

 danger of its getting frightened 

 and learning any tricks. A prom- 

 ising colt may be ruined in a 

 minute with such foolishness. A 

 colt learns one thing at a time, and to attempt to crowd the 

 whole horse education into it at once, and its first lesson, 

 shows more jackass than horse sense. Go slow, be cool, 

 try little and persevere, should be the horseman's motto. 



The young colt cannot be trained too early. In fact, the 

 sooner he is disciplined the more quickly he is subju- 

 gated, and with the least danger to himself and owner. 



After halter breaking, which should be begun so young 

 that he will never know liberty of head, he should at first be 

 taught to lead, by being tied opposite his dam on short trips. 



