CABE AND MANAGEMENT OF HOUSES 135 



caught around the neck, there may be difficulty in coming near 

 them. 



When ready to halter the foal, choose a strong, well-fitting 

 halter and not a new one that smells of a lot of things that are 

 new to the colt, but one that has recently been used. Care should 

 be taken not to pull heavily on the nose-band at any time. 

 Occasionally deformed face lines and necks are caused by this 

 means. It is not necessary to drag a colt by the halter in order to 

 suggest to him that his business is to follow. As a matter of fact, 

 the reverse effect is usual, and the harder a colt is pulled, the 

 harder he holds back. If, on the contrary, he is coaxed along the 

 accustomed route, as to the water trough and back, he will soon 

 follow promptly. If he resents, however, other means must be 

 tried. Secure a small rope, the size of a light clothes line, about 

 ten feet long, tie a noose or fasten a ring on one end, place this 

 gently over the colt's back just in front of the hips with the noose 

 or ring on the under side of the body, so that when the other end 

 of the rope is run, through the noose, the rope can be closely 

 drawn aroimd the flanks ; pass the rope along under the body, 

 then between the fore legs, then up through the ring in the halter. 

 Hold the halter strap in one hand, the light rope in the other, pull 

 gently in the halter strap, and as the colt begins to shake his head 

 give the light rope a sharp pull and the colt will immediately step 

 forward. Do not be in a hurry, but give the colt time to get 

 used to the lesson. Soon he will follow wherever you lead. 



After the colt understands the uses of the halter and will lead, 

 he may be taught to drive with lines (Fig. 55). To do this 

 successfully a surcingle properly adjusted is required. The sur- 

 cingle must be provided with loops or rings on each side, placed 

 well below the center of the body, the lines passed through these 

 and fastened to the rings on either side of the halter ; never use 

 a bit in the mouth of a very young colt. Now the lines will 

 pass the hind quarters low down, and thus prevent the colt from 

 turning with his head towards the trainer. It is very 



