22 TRAINING OF HORSES, 
ing the shavings upward for security in holding it. 
You are now ready to. commence operations with the 
colt, in doing which it is advisable to understand the 
fact that curiosity is a strong trait in the horse, and 
when not overcome by fear or some other powerful in- 
fluence, is sure to prevail. This you can test previous 
to operating if you choose, by placing a hat or handker- 
chief upon the end of your stick and holding it toward 
the colt. He may be alarmed at first, but if you re- 
main quiet, moving the object gently, the nature of the 
colt will be to reach his nose toward it, and quite 
likely to touch it. He will soon become accustomed te - 
the stick, and will manifest the same curiosity in regard - 
to the halter. You will now take the halter, with the 
noose unloosened perhaps half the length of the halter?” 
stale, holding the end with the stick in both hands, the 
halter being placed upon the shavings as before sug- 
gested. If the halter-stale is not long enough, attach 
a piece, as it is best to keep yourself as far as possible: 
from the colt. The colt will gradually begin to smell 
at the halter, when you will hold the stick pretty. well 
up over the head, and while the animal’s attention is 
attracted by the swinging of the halter, and his nose 
near that portion of the halter-stale which is slipped 
through the noose, you will gently pass the rope over 
his ears, and turning the stick half round, drop the rope 
from the shavings upon the colt’s head just back of the 
ears. This will probably cause the colt to start back,’.. 
and by holding firmly upon the halter-stale, the noose’ 
