52 HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. 



small ends forward in the .form of shafts, about twenty 

 inches spart, the back ends about six feet apart. Lay the 

 short piece across about six feet six inches to seven feet 

 from the forward ends, and tie on with pieces of cord. 

 Hitch the colt into these poles, attaching the tugs to the 

 cross piece by tying with cord, and drive around until there 

 is perfect submission to them, guiding promptly to the reins 

 and submitting to the poles striking the flanks or heels 

 without exciting the least fear. But in the early driving of 

 colts, great care must be used not to force too freely to 

 back, as this may cause the habit of backing too freely, 

 turning around and running back from the slightest causes 

 of fear of anything in advance, in driving to wagon or 

 sulky. Great care should be taken not to drive the colt 

 too much at first, and at no time sufficient to produce 

 exhaustion. Neither should his strength be taxed too much 

 by drawing heavy loads, until he has become accustomed 

 to the noise and restraint of the wagon and learned to use 

 his strength as required. Let his drives be moderate at first, 

 both in gait and distance ; gradually increasing the distance 

 as he will bear without fatigue. After learning to walk well, 

 let him trot a little, gradually letting him out faster and a 

 little farther, as smooth pieces of road give opportunity; 

 restrict these little outbursts of speed at first to the limits 

 of a few rods. Let him dash out a short distance, then 

 gradully slacken to a walk, speaking kindly and en- 

 couragingly. After a while, let him out again, pushing, 

 perhaps, a little faster and farther, being careful not to 

 crowd to breaking. It must not be expected because your 

 colt is perhaps a good mover, that he will be a fast trotter. 

 But if he does show a loose open gait, do not by any means 

 spoil him by attempting too much at first. There is usually 

 too much anxiety to try a colt's speed and bottom, and he 

 is often pushed, overdone, and spoiled perhaps, before his 

 powers are half developed. 



A colt must not be crowded too much in educating to 

 harness. He cannot be expected to submit quietly to the 

 irritation and excitement of harness and wagon, or drive 

 like an old horse, without experience and practice. He 

 must grow into the position as it is were, and a reasonable 

 patience and effort is necessary to ensure this. The great 

 trouble witli most people in training colts is, they attempt 



