HITCHING. 47 



this position, and by adroitly repeating the pulls as he will 

 bear, until he will come without being pulled upon. Should 

 you pull slow and steady, he will resist and pull against 

 you, and may even attempt to throw himself down; this 

 you will avoid by giving a quick pull, and letting loose in- 

 stantly. As soon as he will yield and come round promptly, 

 get on the other side and repeat in the same manner, until 

 he will follow you readily on either side without pulling. 

 Be careful not to pull ahead until there is prompt submis- 

 sion sidewise. You can then gradually pull a little more on 

 a line with the body until the colt will come promptly in 

 any direction., to the slightest pull upon the halter. If the 

 colt is of a quick, gentle disposition, he will soon learn this 

 lesson thoroughly ; but if very young, or of a slow, sulky 

 disposition, great resistance is likely to be shown for some 

 time. If the resistance is very obstinate or reckless in 

 character, you may resort to the simple course of subjection, 

 which will soon compel obedience. This you have been 

 taught how to do ; if there is not prompt obedience to the 

 second method, (being careful not to tie too short,) resort to 

 the first, then again to the second, until submissive. 



When there is submission you should encourage by ap- 

 pealing to the affections. Rub the head and neck, and give 

 presents of something of which fond, until all excitement 

 and irritation subside. The eye will gradually grow mild 

 in expression, and there will be an apparent indifference to 

 being handled. A coarse, harsh or loud voice is terribly 

 irritating to a sensitive or spirited horse or colt, and must 

 by all means be held in check. Speak in a gentle natural 

 tone, softened by kind expression, which will do much 

 toward securing the confidence of the animal and repressing 

 his fear. With some colts it will be necessary to repeat the 

 lesson in leading two or three times, to ensure prompt 

 obedience. 



HITCHING. 



When the colt will lead kindly and promptly, he may 

 next be taught to stand hitched. To prevent his learning 

 to pull at the halter, take a piece of strong cord, about a 

 third of an inch in diameter, twenty-two feet long; double 

 it, and place the centre under the tail; bring both ends 



