The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-11-28
CALIFORNIAN.
Breaking Colts.

There has been great progress in this re-
spect within few years, owing mainly to a
better understanding of the nature of the
horse. 1t is now generally conceded that ne
can appreciate kindness and consideration
ard that harsh and brutal treatment render
him, las well as chidren) retaiatory, and
Jisobed;eot when net under fear of the whip;
and all colt.breakers should ever bear this IN
mind. The opposite extreme OF laxness In
discipline should also be guarded against
A person, to be capable of managing either
4 horse or child, must be firm and perse-
vering, but not harsh and revengeful. He
must first conquer and control the animal
part OF his own nature, before he is capable
of properly breaking a colt. Great patience
and perseverance are required to quiet his
natural fears and satisfy him that you intend
him no. harm. All movements about him
should be moderate and judcious. The
hard should first be gradually brought IN
contact with his nose, as should every thing
else new to him, because his nose is his in
strument for testing whatever is harmless
What wonder that when suddenly seized or
pounced upon, he exerts himself to get
away9 How can he know that the halter
is not a continuance to take his life? What
need is there of giving him such terrible
fright, causing, as it often does, trembling
in every IimL? Besides the inhumanity Of
such treatment. there is great danger that he
will injure himself, or break away, and thus
be encouraged in future attempts to free HIM
self from restraint
Anything that the horse can touch with
his nose without being harmed, he does not
fear Therefore the hand the halter, girth,
blanket, saddle, harness, umbrella, buffalo
robe, or whatever is to be brought in close
proximity to him, should first be 'introduc-
ed" to, and touched by that sensitive organ.
A knowledge Of these important facts, as we
learned by attending course Of his lectures,
is the main secret of Rarey's success in horse
tanning. His strap method of throwing
horses is useful only in cases of aggravated
ill-temper, and such cases are usually, the
result of Encouragement.
Cases are few in which colts NAV not be
speedily and ehectually broken by following
directions, plainly implied by the above facts.
Some colts however, owing probably TO
some previous fright, will not really allow
persons to ride them. We have heard it rec
commended to make a man of straw, intro.
duce it to the colt when battered, gradually
place it upon his back, fasten it securely, so
that it can not be dismounted aftcrward
turn him loose and let him satisfy himself
that it cannot be got off, and that it will not
hurt him. Thus the danger Of any person
being injured will be averted, and the colt
will be etfectualy discouraged from making
future attempts to throw his rider. Those
who would nave their colts long-lived, and
serviceabe in old age, should never work
them hard when young. Allen truly re-
marks TINT "a due regard to humanity and
sound judgment, in thus limiting the bur
den in his early years, would save much dis
ease and suffering to the animal, and profit
TO the owner, by his unimpaired strength
and prolonged life The loss from neglect
ing this is enormous -.imerican Agricnl-
MIid.