PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 375 



gently. It is important to secure his complete confidence 

 before he is set free. To do this feed him sweets from 

 the palm of the hand ; as sugar is sweeter than the dam's 

 milk, it seems to give him the idea that we are his friend, 

 and instead of fleeing as we enter the stall he will come 

 to meet us, placing as much confidence in us as in his 

 mother. In handling the foal, we should be careful to 

 avoid confusing or exciting him. Extra care should be 

 taken when handling the ears, the back of the fore legs, 

 the flanks and the front of the hind legs, as these parts 

 are extremely sensitive to the touch. The foal should be 

 handled from both sides so as to become familiar with 

 strange objects from every quarter. Teach the young 

 foal useful things only. It is important to make the first 

 lessons short and simple, and of such a nature that they 

 can be understood very easily and even more easily 

 accomplished. 



Teach the foal to lead. — When the foal is about ten 

 days to two weeks old he should be taught to lead. 

 A web halter is preferable to a leather one, as it is much 

 lighter and softer on the head. Never use a rope halter on 

 a young foal. Adjust the web halter to the head, fastening 

 up any loose straps that may be hanging down, as these 

 annoy the foal. Do not be in a hurry, but let him get 

 acquainted with everything as you proceed. When ready, 

 coax the youngster along behind his mother on some ac- 

 customed route, as to the water trough and back. If 

 sweets are available, let him taste them occasionally and 

 he will soon follow promptly. If he resents, however, do 

 not pull on his head, but take advantage of his natural 

 instinct and apply pressure at the rear as we wish him 

 to move forward. 



Difficult to lead. — Secure a small rope, or sash cord, 

 and tie a large loop in one end. This loop should be of 

 sufficient size so that when placed in position on the foal 

 it will surround his quarters, leaving the knot well for- 

 ward on the back. Pass the free end along the back and 



