The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-01-17
FARMERS DEPARTMENT.
and Z Eaining COlts.

The earlier in life the education OF any
animal commences, the easier will be its
training and the more certainly will its hab
its be fixed. Horses learn most of their
vices before they are three years old. and
in large number of instances the work Of
breaking" them does not commence be-
fore the second or third year.
Begin when the colt is one month old
Put on him leather or web halter. with
out the hitching- strap Let itremainsthere,
and you will have control over him when
you wish to handle him. Have a leather
hitching strap with backle or clasp on
one end, to fasten into the halter ring when
you wish to lead or tie the colt. Never tie
a rope oTsrope halter around The neck. AL
low the colt to nibble at his dams feed
while she is eating. After he has become
accustomed to the halter and to being led
about and handled, you can tie him along.
side his dam at feeding time, watching him
the first time to prevent his pulling back,
and afterVard, if he shows disposition TO
pull. Never speak harshly to, or abuse,
either dam or colt. You can do more by
Kind, firm treatment than by abuse of any
KIM.
Wean the colt at his seventh month.
keeping him ont of sight and hearing of his
dam for several weeks. Give him pint Of
good oats, with plenty of sweet hay. morn
ing and evening; also fresh, pure water. AS
he grows larger, increase his feed, always
giving him the best. Remember the colt
is now forming the bones and muscles upon
which his future usefulness depends, and he
cannot form strong, solid ones, without good
strong feed and shelter. Give a feed Of
chopped stuff and cut straw several times
during the week, to keep his system cool,
and to prevent "lampas." If he should
take them, put him on soft feed, occasion
ally giving him a bran mash until the lam
pas disappear Keep the colt under shelter
during the winter nights, and on stormy
days and nights at any season of the year.
A loose box or stable in which he can be
placed without tying, is BEST next, stall,
six feet wide, in stable well lighted,
drained and ventilated. Have a ring and
staple tied to the manager bar, to tie to. The
best plan for tying, is to pass the halter
strap through the ring, end lie it to small
weight, heavy enough to keep the strap al
ways drawn tight. Have the strap long
enough for the colt to lie down with his
head flat on the floor; the weight will al
ways keep the strap stretched so that he
cannot get his feetov it, Keep the stall
well Uttered at night, and perfectly clean
during the day Do not put the litter un-
der the manger when cleaning out the stall
in the morning, but throw it under a shed
outside of the stable, to dry before using at
night. The ammonia arising from the urine
decomposing in the litter is very injurious
TO both eyes and lungs. Frequently sprin-
kle some good deodorizer on the floor, to
absorb and destroy all noxious gases. Ac-
custom your colt to harness, and to saddle
and bride, by putting them on frequently,
and letting them remain on for half hour
Train the colt without binders on the brid-
die. Never draw the check-rein tight; for
fast driving, it is better to dispense with i'll
entirely. l would not advise an inexperi-
eneed person to use biting bride, but If
used, let the reins be loose. If possible, it
is best to let the colt run until IL rec and a
half years old, and if very valuable, until
five years of age, before putting to regular
service. You can teach the colt the use of
the lines before he is fit for service, b. put
ting ON surcingle with rings fastened to it,
two-thiIds down each side of the colt Put
the reins through the rings, and buckle to
the bride. Walk behind the colt, and teach
him the use of the lines. The rings on the
surcingle will prevent the reins from slip
ping up over his back, if he should try to
turn; by holding your hands low, it is i'm
possible for him to turn. If he backs, touch
him lightly with stiff whip.
BY the above training, the colt at three
years of age will be ready to put to light
work; though would advise waiting few
months longer. The subsequent training
will depend on what use the horse is intend
ed for Correspondence Anaeriean Agrjcul-