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Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 14, 8 October 1874, Page 4

Treatment of Colts. A Bad Beginning. — A colt should be handled every few days ; he should early feel the bit, the bridle reins, and the surcingle; early learn to draw light loads, and not to be afraid of sudden noises. It is no way at all to bring* up a colt to be as wild as a deer, or to kick at the slightest provacation. By the time he is old enough to be used he should have become thoroughly trained, the time of his subjection having extended through all his previous days. We have known farmers who allowed their colts to grow up without the least handling. It would be almost impossible to catch them unless they were driven through a lane into the yard and cornered, or were induced to enter the stable where it was considered a feat to get on the halter. The " breaking"' is considered a great event, and often some public day will be selected. Being caught, the saddle put on by a feat of dexterity, a fearless and strong young man is selected to mount him, and when he succeeds great is the admiration of the beholders. The horse is simply frightened : he would run, but the curb- bit restrains him, and he can only rear and perhaps kick within limited bounds. To make him behave himself a raw-hide whip is applied to his sides, and even over his head, and we have seen the flesh made bare. The poor creature, utterly unable to understand what is required, trembles in every muscle and nerve, and at last, finding out the extent to which he is to be tortured, submits, and then he is declared " broken " Truly he is broken, as much so as a broken merchant, and if he does not from that day become balky or vivious it will not be because his owner failed to take the best possible means to make him so.