292 STABLE ECONOMY. 



often. Many colts are obedient from their birth. These 

 have no need either for punishments or for rewards. They 

 may be stupid, awkward, or timid. But these faults are not 

 amended by punishment. If the colt endeavors to obey, it is 

 sufficient ; and the breaker can not be too gentle. Severity 

 produces stupidity or terror : the colt either stands stock still, 

 or he attempts to run away. He should never be punished 

 for misapprehension, nor for fear, nor for the disobedience 

 which fear sometimes produces. 



The temper of a young horse is much influenced by the 

 manner in which he has been reared. If early accustomed 

 to be handled and to have people about him, and to be kindly 

 treated, he is easily subdued, even though his natural temper 

 may be none of the best. For the first two or three months 

 of his domestication, his anger and resentment should not be 

 excited by any painful operation, nor by requiring any painful 

 service from him. He may be haltered, groomed, clothed, 

 led about, over and over again, before he suffers anything 

 alarming or painful. In a short time the colt acquires com- 

 plete confidence in the people about him ; he yields obedi- 

 ence because he fears no evil. Ultimately, by the time he is 

 wanted for breaking, the habit of submission may be so com- 

 pletely established, that the colt will do much that he is not 

 fond of doing, and suffer a great deal before he rebels. But 

 if permitted to run wild till three or four years old, he is sure 

 to offer considerable resistance to the breaker ; and if never 

 accustomed to have men about him, except when he must be 

 harshly treated, he will be either a very timid horse or a very 

 savage one. It can not be otherwise. The young animal is 

 thus taught to regard man as his persecutor ; the timid fly, 

 and the bold resist or retaliate. 



The breaker must modify his treatment according to the 

 temper of the colt. In general, I think he mingles endear- 

 ment and punishment so much that the colt is at a loss to 

 understand him. A silent breaker succeeds soonest, one 

 who says little or nothing, either to soothe or to threaten. 

 Much bustling and caressing often create suspicion ; an angry 

 tone or a touch of the lash rouses alarm or resentment, as 

 often as it produces obedience. When placed in a novel 

 situation, the colt should be allowed a little time to compose 

 himself. For example, when he is first backed, he may 

 stand still for a moment, or he may move on as he pleases ; 

 if disposed to plunge about, and attempt to unseat the rider 

 he must just be restrained, partly by the rider, and partly by 



