60 



PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 



put it on, leaving it there but a few minutes. Kveiy 

 day leave it on longer and in a short time a strap or rope 

 can be attached ; and it can be led. 



After the colt becomes accustomed to the halter, the 

 use of the bit can be taught. A good plan consists of 

 attaching to the halter a bit made of licorice root. The 

 colt likes this root and won't object to it being in its 

 mouth; and from the use of this, to a smooth steel bit is 

 merely a question of time and patience. Never leave 

 the bit in longer than a half-hour at a time when first 



teaching. The halter 

 alone should be used 

 principally until the colt 

 is six months old. The 

 great principle in training 

 is that the process should 

 be gradual. After the bit 

 is familiar to the colt, 

 attach reins and let it run 

 by the mother's side. This is one of the best ways of 

 teaching. At first it will be very shy, but with kind- 

 ness and encouragement it will soon be familiar to the 

 noises of the carriage and restraint of the lines. This 

 should be repeated until no fear whatever is displayed. 

 Above everything have the harness strong. If a colt 



COLT DRI\^N AT MOTHER'S SIDE. 



