116 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



Standing at his shoulder, the trainer may make him move the hind-legs 

 to one side or the other, the fore-leirs remaining stationary, or to move 

 the fore parts in a circle the hind-legs remaining intact, and this by meana 

 that will naturally suggest themselves. 



But in all this there must be no ill temper displayed by the trainer no 

 matter how bad the horse may act. Even if it be necessary to punish 

 him the operator must be perfectly cool, never speaking in a loud voice 

 or doing anj^hing to cause undue resistance in the animal. The object 

 is to teach the animal subjection to the will of man, and this can never 

 be done by intemperate violence. Our practice has always been to break 

 at two years old so the animal may become way-wise, flexible to the bit, 

 to draw light loads, and under the saddle to walk, trot, or gallop, at com- 

 mand. Then at the age of three to four years, we let it again have its 

 liberty The reason of this is, at this age the colt is shedding some prin- 

 cipal teeth, and therefore not fit for work. If the lessons have been 

 carefully given they will never be forgotten. If however he be properly 

 fed, in the stable, he may continue to do light work through his third and 

 xourth year. In no case, however, should he be put to heavy draft until 

 he is five years past. As a carriage horse, the animal should not have 

 hard work until he is the same age. Then he will get better and better 

 until eight years old, and often do good service at the age of fifteen to 

 eighteen and sometimes when past twenty years of age. There are more 

 horses ruined between the ages of four and five years than at any other 

 age. 



vni. To Handle a Horse. 



As we have stated, the foal should be handled as early as possible, and 

 by different persons, to early accustom it to different sights and sounds, 

 but always gently. It should be carefully brushed so as not to irritate 

 it ; its feet should be lifted and lightly tapped with a hammer ; a head 

 stall should be put on the foal having a ring but no strap, but so the 

 strap may be attached at any time to lead and exercise it. Thus, the 

 trainer beside it, the colt may be taught to walk, to trot, or stand still, 

 allowing it to do pretty much as it likes, within bounds. Never beat it 

 under any circumstances at this age. Reward it with a trifle of sugar, 

 or a little bread, or a slice of carrot, and fondle it when it has done well. 

 Remember the future horse is to be the servant of man for ten or fifteen 

 years of his life, and that it will pay to take pains ^vtth the education of 

 so noble an animal, if well bred. In this day and generation it is money 

 thrown away to breed or handle any other, whatever the breed may be. 



When the foal is six months old strap a pad to its back and attach stirrup 



