120 
PURE BRED DRAFT HORSES 
first time the foal is caught that he be held in such a manner as not to 
cause him fright,” and the proper way is to “gently place one arm under 
the neck and the other under the hams. If he attempts to go forward, 
apply pressure at the neck, or if he attempts to go backward, apply 
pressure at the hams. If it is desired to have him step forward, re¬ 
lieve the pressure at the neck and apply it at the hams, or if it is desired 
to have him step backward, relieve the pressure at the hams and apply 
it at the neck. If caught in this manner, he will soon become quiet, then 
he should be handled all over the body and legs. Extra care should be 
taken when handling the ears, the back of the forelegs, the flanks, and 
the front of the hind legs, as these parts are extremely sensitive to the 
touch. This requires only a few minutes and the foal, in all probability, 
will come to meet you the next time you enter the stall instead of fleeing 
from you, as he will if you attempt to catch him by the neck or even if 
you pay no attention to him the first time you enter the stall. If the 
animals are to reach their greatest usefulness this natural timidity must 
be overcome and confidence in man established. This can be accom¬ 
plished by kind, firm treatment. The occasional use of some relished 
morsel, such as a lump of sugar, will be of material benefit in overcom¬ 
ing timidity and in establishing confidence. 
“No sudden movements should be made in approaching the foal, as 
these will make him start and jump away. In this way, he will soon 
learn that he can escape being caught. To avoid this we should always 
go about the young animal in a very quiet manner. Never make a quick 
movement in catching him, as this will serve to frighten him and make 
him more difficult to catch the next time. Never attempt to catch him 
unless sure of success, for if he succeeds in getting away, it is not at all 
likely that he will forget it soon. 
“Children and thoughtless persons often try to make the youngster 
show off by doing something to frighten him, as tlirorwing sticks, ‘shooing,’ 
running at him and the like. This should never be done. Such actions 
serve to make the animal more difficult to catch and handle, and in fact 
may so frighten a highly nervous cne as to cause him to injure himself 
in an attempt to get away. If it is desired to see the foal in action, lead 
the mare away and the youngster will follow, when his action may be 
noted. 
“. . . After catching the foal and handling him as suggested, it is 
important that we secure his complete confidence before he is set free. 
If for some reason the youngster should make his escape after being 
caught and held fast, but before his confidence is secured, he will be very 
difficult to catch the next time. In view of this fact much care must be 
taken to dispel all fear. Loving kindness is an important factor in secur¬ 
ing his confidence. Feeding sweets from the palm of the hand, such as 
a little granulated sugar pressed between his lips, will aid materially in 
securing the youngster’s confidence. Sugar, being sweeter than the 
dam’s milk, seems to give him the idea that we are his friend, and in¬ 
stead of fleeing as we enter the stall he will come to meet us, placing 
as much confidence in us as in his mother. The importance of securing 
the colt’s confidence at this early age is very significant, as he is likely 
to retain the pleasant recollection throughout life. 
“. . . In handling the foal we should go about the work coolly and 
with confidence. We should be careful to avoid confusing or exciting 
him. It must be remembered that there is little connection between the 
two sides of the animal’s brain, and he may be perfectly familiar with us 
from one side and yet become greatly excited if caught from the other 
side. To avoid this confusion, handle the foal from both sides. He 
should become familiar with strange objects from every quarter. 
“In training the youngster it is important that the first lesson be of 
such a nature that they can be understood very easily, and even more easily 
