60 Cross Country with Horse and Hound 



The bran may be substituted by oats, or still heavier grain, 

 for a week or more, before a boy is put up. The colt 

 could no doubt be mounted much sooner ; but the slower 

 way is best. 



Nine colts out of ten can be thoroughly broken without 

 ever striking them a blow with the whip. If one takes 

 time, it is only in very rare cases that the whip is necessary. 

 When colts or horses set up a fight, throw them carefully. 

 There is nothing that takes the conceit out of a horse like 

 being thrown. Be sure he knows it is you that do it, and 

 that it is by your hand he is liberated. If a colt or horse 

 absolutely refuses to jump a fence, it is usually because of 

 fear, and you should return to lower jumps to restore his 

 confidence in himself. If the fight is one of viciousness 

 and a trial for mastery, take him to the stable and throw 

 him. There is nothing like it. But, whatever you do, 

 never jerk or maul him about. 



Always bring a colt on slowly in his lessons, and let the 

 lessons be easy. Never in one lesson ask him to do quite 

 all you know he can, and you will give him the idea that 

 he can do anything you ask him to. You may break a 

 colt by fear, but confidence is the means by which he is 

 educated. 



A horse does not reason, but he has a very highly de- 

 veloped instinct. He learns by absorption, which is the 

 result of association. By association, companionship with 

 man, his wonderful instinct is developed to a degree little 

 less effective than reason. He should be convinced that 

 whatever you do is right ; that you are his best friend. 

 Never deceive or disappoint him, and you will soon find 



