HANDLING THE FEET. 51 



your long strap around the neck, near the shoulders, pass 

 the other end back between the forelegs, around the hind 

 foot, but under the strap around the neck, and draw up on 

 it, at the same time holding him by the bridle or halter. 

 The colt may be frightened, and jump to get clear of the 

 restraint. Should he act very much frightened, slack up 

 on the strap until the foot is almost back to its natural 

 position. Then, as he will bear, again pull a little shorter, 

 at the same time pulling him round in a circle by the head, 

 until he ceases struggling to get the foot loose. You may 

 now pull the foot farther foward, and hold it as before, 

 until he will stand quietly. Now step back a little, and 

 pass the hand down the hind leg. Slap the hand upon 

 the leg a little, until there is no resistance ; then take it in 

 the hands. If there is no resistance, undo the end of the 

 strap and allow the foot a little more freedom; at the 

 same time, while holding the foot by the strap, pass the 

 hand from the hip down the leg, quietly, rubbing and ca- 

 ressing until able to take it in the hands. 



Handle the opposite leg in the same manner, until 

 there is perfect submission. Should the colt resist having 

 the feet handled with much determination, or prove very 

 vicious, use the double hitch, or go back to the regular 

 subjective treatment. Those of -a wildish, mustang dis- 

 position are the most obstinate : there is once in a while 

 one of this class that will call for pretty thorough and pa- 

 tient treatment to make gentle. They are not only so 

 plucky, but so strong and enduring, that they are disposed 

 to resist control of the feet at all hazards. It is of great 

 importance that colts are treated with great kindness : 

 giving apples, a little oats, &c., after submitting the feet, 

 or being otherwise handled, as the real cause of trouble is 

 fear ; and a little flattery in this way has a powerful effect 

 in winning the confidence, and thus of winning obedience. 

 All this is now so easily done when necessary by the ordi- 

 nary subjective course, that it seems needless to dwell on 

 minor conditions and details : you must bear in mind that 

 bad cases call for a little work and patience, and that you 

 must be not only thorough, but prudent, to be successful. 



