THE WILD COLT. 



When we remember that the first impressions on the 

 mind of the colt are the strongest and most lasting; that 

 his resistance is prompted by fear and an ignorance of what 

 he is required to do, we see that the first point to be ac- 

 complished, is to make him so gentle that he will not try to 

 resist being handled without frightening or abusing him. 

 Imagine yourself in place of the colt; a timid, innocent, sus- 

 picious child, and realize what the treatment of any one 

 should be to enlist your confidence and obedience, and you 

 will see that gentleness, kindness and prudence in not 

 exciting the fears are paramount considerations. If the 

 colt is afraid of you and resists your control, it is because 

 he apprehends danger from you. Now the quicker you 

 force him the more you must abuse and excite him, hence 

 you must make up your mind to be patient — take your time, 

 following up carefully, one point after another, until there is 

 entire docility, allowing being touched or handled behind 

 as may be desired without exciting fear or resistance. 



If possible, have a room or yard, about twenty-five or 

 thirty feet square, or even larger. See that all causes of in- 

 jury are removed, and get the colt into this enclosure very 

 quietly; if he is wild and nervous, see that no hens, dogs, 

 etc., are in the room. Say to your friends, it is necessary 

 to your success, and is a condition of your instruction, that 

 you must be alone. 



Of course the colt must first be haltered. If not very 

 wild, this will not be difficult to do. But if very wild or 

 vicious, this may be difficult and perhaps dangerous, and 

 you should always carefully guard against injury to yourself 

 as well as your horse, and at the same time you may 

 accomplish your object just as surely, if not as easily. Take 

 a light pole ten or twelve feet in length, or as much longer 

 as you can use to advantage, if the colt is very wild or 



