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MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



make the mistake of trying to teach the colt too much at a time ; 

 he should understand each lesson thoroughly before a second is 

 attempted. On the other hand, colts should be worked con- 

 tinuously day by day and not simply at the convenience of the 

 trainer. The trainer should be gentle and firm at all times and 

 go through with whatever is attempted. 



Training to the halter. — The foal should be taught very early 

 the uses of the halter; first to lead, then to drive. But even 



before haltering the 

 youngster may be 

 taught to "stand 

 over," to have his 

 foot raised, to back, 

 and the like. In 

 handling the colt 

 be careful about the 

 ears, the back of the 

 fore legs, and the 

 flanks, as these are 

 often very sensitive. 

 Catch the colt by 

 putting one hand 

 under the neck and 

 the other under the 

 hams or around the 

 buttocks (Fig. 54). 

 Never catch a colt 

 around the neck 

 only — if this is done, the colt will go backwards and perhaps 

 fall — but instead catch him around both ends, as described ; 

 then if he attempts to go forward, press back with the hand 

 under his neck, and if he attempts to go backwards, press for- 

 ward with the hand that is around the buttocks. Colts caught 

 in this way will let one walk up to them, whereas if they are 



Fig. 54. — Method of catching a Young Foal. 



