118 
PURE BRED DRAFT HORSES 
“Make all these lessons short, and by frequent repetitions impress each 
point upon his mind. Be kind and considerate at all times, remembering 
that he is always willing to do what is required of him if he understands 
you. Do not scold or swear at him. After each short lesson, give an 
apple or lump of sugar, or some delicacy of which he may be fond, as a 
reward for good behaviour; it is surprising how soon he will learn to 
appreciate such awards or favors. Be sure you bit him thoroughly and 
practice this for some time before attempting to drive in harness on the 
road. If the colt has always been petted and treated kindly, as he should 
be, and has no fear of man, there will be but little trouble.” 
Roberts 69 gives some general pointers as to the manner in which a 
trainer should act in the handling of the foal: “The foal should be petted, 
but kindness and firmness should be used in handling it . . . It is a 
mistake to attempt to educate . . . foals above their capacity . . . 
While the foal is yet with its dam, it should be taught to lead and to al¬ 
low its feet to be handled. The paramount object . . . is to teach it 
prompt obdience and to inspire it with courage and confidence . . . 
It should not be allowed to get its legs entangled in stable floors, bridges 
or fences, and it should never be purposely frightened. The colt and the 
filly, as well as mature animals, discern quickly a timid, hesitating, or 
incompetent attendant or driver . . . Teach the foal but little; but 
what little education it does receive should be so thorough that it will 
be retained through life. Young colts are nervous; endeavor to strengthen 
their nerves by implanting confidence, which tends to allay nervousness.” 
Hopkins 109 describes, in a lengthy and comprehensive manner, a method 
of training the colt: To educate the foal to lead “A light, well-fitted halter 
should be placed on the foal just before weaning time to accustom him 
to it before he is taught to lead from it. Attach a small rope, about five 
feet long, to the halter, then take a rope about twelve feet long and make 
a large loop in one end that will fit over the buttocks at the base of 
the hams. With a rope in each hand, give the halter rope a gentle pull 
and command ‘come.’ If he pulls back give the buttock rope a gentle 
pull; when the pressure is felt he will naturally step forward. After a 
few steps, place the hand on the nose band of the halter and command 
‘whoa’ ... To teach him to back place the hand on the nose band 
of the halter and the other hand against the breast and command ‘back.’ 
If he refuses, apply pressure on both nose and breast, and he will quickly 
learn to obey. 
“The training of the foal to stand tied should come next. Place a 
rope, with a ring in one end, around the loins, forming a slip noose, with 
a ring on the under side of the body. Pass the rope between his forelegs 
and tie so that the pressure on the loins will be felt if he pulls on the 
halter. Care should be taken not to have too much pressure on the halter 
as colts often injure their heads or necks by pulling. 
“When tied the colt should be handled from both sides; gentle by pat¬ 
ting and rubbing the hands about the head, neck, back, and legs. If he 
shows a tendency to kick, use a stick four or five feet long. He should 
be allowed to examine and smell this stick before his body and legs are 
rubbed. Continue with the stick until he will stand quietly while being 
rubbed. The second day tie an old coat or rag on the end of the stick 
and repeat the first day’s lesson. Accustom him to strange noises, unusual 
sights and fur coats and robes until he stands without fear. 
“At this time the feet should be handled, trimmed and kept level . . 
“The foal should be driven with lines at an early age. To do this* 
place a surcingle with line rings well down on the colt. Hitch the lines 
on either side of the halter and pass them through line rings on the 
surcingle, keeping them well down on the quarters. Standing on the 
near side well up to the shoulder, with the right line drawn around the 
quarters and the left line shortened, command him, ‘get up.’ If he does 
