Training a colt.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 93, 31 July 1908, Page 3

Training a colt.

Th*r<: sho'uicl hj: r'nly three commands for the colt. First, to halter break the baby, he is from birth pushed about, with the attendant's •hand under his neck and behind his.quarters for a few minutes every time one goes near the dam. As you push him ahead always, say " Clk " a few times ; as you halt him say " Whoa," sharp and loud; as you push him back, say " back " at each ;step. He: associates the word with the action ; what seernfe to him play is really a lesson ; he tajses the idea at once, and like first" impressions, it is indelible. At about three weeks put on him. a little halter -of soft leather, fitting snugly about the nose and under " the throat, that he may not catch a hind or a fore foot in ii, and for a few days push, him about just a step or two by this ; then run a cord through the jaw-piece (better .than a snap-hook, as it can be at once released), and as you lead the mare, use this also on him, but never let him fight it, or make it irksome to him. At about this time really halter-train him to lead, and to do this have someone to hold the mare ; put the rope through' his chin-strap and start to lead him, and. when he hangs back, as he will,, brace yourself, and let him " pull it out." At this age you can easily handle him, never snatch or jerk him ; never look at him (this is most important, as the fixed gaze of the human eye is most terrifying and disconcerting to all animals); just let him " pull it. out," convince him that he cannot get away, and sooner or later he will come to you with a rush. Pat him over the forehead where his brain is (always caress the parts of the members involved; indiscriminate caress is worse than none" If your son learns his lesson don't reward youf daughter," as a well known teacher once said) ; let him stand a few minutes, have the mare led, and. lead him with her; behind, beside, away from, and back again, and. in two days you then have a baby you can tie up with a string. Be careful to hold his head up if he throws himself, and if he does it several times hold him down a little while, and let him think it over. Remember his mind contains but one-idea at a time, and give him ample opportunity to get an indeiigible mental impression of every step you take, especially when the time for punishment drill comes.