NECESSITY OF PATIENCE. 313 



in the manger of the stall, and by talking to and 

 patting the old horse, having the colt on his right 

 side whilst feeding, the latter will not be alarmed at 

 your approach, gaining confidence from his leader ; 

 and after standing in this position a short time, 

 you can proceed to handle him gradually about 

 the head and neck, until he becomes familiarised to 

 your touch, when you may run your hand over 

 every part of his body. 



According to the temper of the colt will be the 

 time required to make him submit patiently and 

 without fear to this first operation of handling. 

 Some are very ticklish about the head and ears, 

 and with these you must deal very cautiously and 

 steadily, without showing any impatience yourself, 

 bearing in mind that, as all your after proceedings 

 will be regulated by this first lesson, a whole day, 

 if necessary, would be well spent in being devoted 

 to this purpose. The great object is at first, by 

 gentle means and kind words, and by slow degrees, 

 to divest the colt of all fear of you, and gain his 

 confidence ; and when this has been effected, all 

 the other lessons will follow in easy succession. 

 Many horse-breakers are in too great a hurry to set 

 to work with colts, verifying the old adage of 

 " More haste, less speed." They are too impa- 

 tient to get the halter on their heads, and the bit 



