The Growing Stock 295 
to lead, but if somewhat stubborn, a rope may be passed 
back through the halter ring, and a loop dropped over the 
rump and placed so that it will strike the colt in the thighs. 
If this is pulled upon rather than the halter, the colt 
will usually walk up without any great trouble. If the 
colt is tied up, a rope should be passed through its halter, 
and around the belly, and tied in that manner. Then 
when he pulls upon it, it will tighten around his belly, 
and pull there instead of on his head. Very often if 
this is not done, the head will become bruised when the 
colt struggles. 
TRIMMING THE HOOFS 
Trimming the colt’s hoofs is a task which is often 
neglected, The horn grows out and part of it breaks off, 
so that the foot sets on the 
ground unevenly and as the 
bones are soft and cartilagi- 
nous at this time, a crooked 
leg or deformed foot results. 
This may be avoided by trim- 
ming the hoof occasionally, 
so that it will set level. To 
do this, take up the foot, 
and trim off the surplus horn 
with a pair of hoof nippers, 
a heavy knife, or rasp. Round 
off the edges so that there is 
less tendency for the hoof 
to break. Handle the colt 
gently at first, and if he struggles to get his foot down, 
talk gently to him and pet him, but do not release the 
foot. If he gets his foot away a few times he will 
Fia. 31. — Tools for Trimming 
Horse’s Feet. 
