140 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



axle, securing a cross-bar and whippletree in front, and a board 

 seat in the rear. The shafts should be twelve or fourteen feet long, 

 with provision at the ends for the attachment of a strap across 

 from point to point to prevent the colt in rearing from throwing 

 his front leg over the end of the shaft. At first a kick-strap at- 

 tached to each shaft and passed over the colt's rump should be 

 used, at least till the colt is accustomed to the shafts (Fig. 57). 

 When the colt is first hitched, an assistant should hold him until 



Fig. 57. — Colt hitched for the First Time, showing Arrangement of 

 Kick-Strap over Rump. 



the driver is ready, then he should be allowed to go. As soon as 

 he has become familiar with the vehicle he should be compelled 

 to stand still until he is wanted to start. 



Training to mount. — In training a colt to mount, one must be 

 very careful that the colt does not succeed in throwing the 

 trainer, for if he once succeeds in getting the man off, one will 

 never be able to convince him that he cannot do it again. The 

 best time to take the colt is after he has been exercised vigorously 

 and while tired. The best place is on soft ground where he can 



