HANDLING THE COLT'S FEET. 55 



HANDLING THE COLT'S FEET. 



If the colt is of an ordinary good disposition this can be 

 done without resorting to special means. Stand well up to 

 the shoulder, put the left hand on the shoulder, pressing 

 forward gently, which will relax the muscles controlling the 

 leg, with the right hand, instantly grasp the foot below the 

 fetlock and lift it up, removing the left hand and bring 

 under the foot to aid the right hand. To handle the hind 

 feet, let the right hand glide gently from the shoulders back 

 to the hip. At the instant it passes the point of the hip, 

 bring the left forward upon the hip. While doing this, the 

 right hand is being glided down the leg gently, until it 

 strikes the fetlock, when the left hand should be pressed 

 firmly against the body at the point stated, which will relax 

 the limb, and the foot can be easily brought up by the right, 

 the left is lowered and passed down the limb on the back 

 part of the fetlock. Or the foot can be raised and lowered 

 a few times with the right hand, while the left balances the 

 body by pressing against the hip until there is perfect 

 submission. 



If there is resistance, take up the fore foot, request an 

 assistant to hold it up for you, while he at the same time 

 holds the colt by the halter or bridle. Tie the end of a 

 rope or strap around the hind foot, above the fetlock, at the 

 instant of doing which let the hand glide along to the oppo- 

 site part, until six or eight feet from the foot. At the same 

 time request the forward foot to be let loose, the assistant 

 holding by the halter. Now pull upon the strap, which 

 will bring the foot forward, and at the instant of attempting 

 to kick, let go, and so repeat until the foot is submitted to 

 the restraint of strap. Then slip behind and pull the foot 

 back, and as before yielding at each effort to kick, let go, 

 until the foot is submitted freely. Now take the foot from 

 the control of the strap to the hand and handle gently. 



If there is very determined resistance, tie the end of your 

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

 other end back between the fore legs, 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 res- 

 traint. Should he act very much frightened, slack up on 



