Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-09-21
From the American Stock Journal.
Treatment of Colts.

them or drag them about through the
heat of the summer, on roads Of all kinds,
alongside their dams at work, or else to
turn them out to run wild during the
first six months of their existence, out of
sight and hearing of human beings
Now, we take exception to both these
methods of proceeding to the first, be-
cause the limbs and feet of the young
animal are tender and apt to be strained
and bruised by being compelled to keep
up with the dam, even when walking,
for several consecutive miles. The young
colt requires frequent rest, and should
be at liberty to lie down when ever incli-
nation prompts. When the colt becomes
tired it drags on the halter. straining the
cords of the neck, back and legs, 1t is
often disadvantageous to allow the young
animal to run too long without subject
ton, for when the attempt is made he
will resist with great force and often with
injury. At the risk, then, Of some extra
work, we advise that the colt is accustom-
ed to be handled often, until he has no
fear to approach persons, and when they
always receive caresses, they are very
ready to do so.
At two months old put on the halter,
bat allow the colt to go very much as he
likes, occasionally drawing him towards
you and caressing him. In two hours
you will have imperceptibly broken him
to lead. Then, when you tie him, do so
with halter he cannot breaks short
struggle will satisfy him he is conquered.
Never suffer any one to strike or yell at q
colt; one such barbarous act will cause a
days work to overcome its bad effect
When first cleaning him, avoid the head
then approach that part tenderly, and
if he resists go to some other point. In
a few moments return, and SO on continue
till he submits with pleasure, rather, to
being handled and rubbed anywhere and
on any part. Your colt is then half bro
ken.
Wean the colt at five or six months old,
first teaching him while sucking the mare
to eat oats. When taken from the dam
eonfine the colt closely and put them out
Of hearing of each other for one week.
During the first winter, feed daily two
quarts of oats and all the hay the colt
will eat. This, with good warm shelter,
will keep him growing and improving
Don't turn him out in spring until the
weather is settled and warm, and he can
get full bite of grass. The first year
makes or ruins the colt. 1t is the most
important of his life. Keep him fat the
first year, whatever you do afterwards
for this year decides whether he is to be
full grown horse or a miserable pony
no after-care can atone for neglect during
the first twelve months Good pasture
(mountain if possible,) the next season
and plenty of hay the next winter, with
a quart of grain if convenient. will bring
you finely foimed, powerful two year
old. If horse, alter him early, before
fly time, and turn to good grass.
In the fall begin to break him by Bit
ting gradually tighter each day-within
two weeks you have his head as nigh
and graceful as nature allows. The neck
should be arched and the face vertical
without constraint, When the biting il
accomplished, put on your harness and
let the straps dangle around his leg, con
tinue this until ne pays NO attention tc
them but do not fatigue the colt either
in the biting bridle or harness. The
bending of the neck is exceedingly pain
full and should be done by degrees, the
work requiring two weeks. While in
the biting bride exercise him on a cir
Gle to the right and left alternately, the
radius never less than 10 to Is feet, 9th
erwise he will to step too short. Make
|, him walk and walk fast while walking
no gait is more important, and our agri
cultural Societies should offer premium:
for fast walkers.
While harnessed, accustom the colt Il
wagons, sulkies, &C., by running then
ronnd and about him. Then harness u
: the sulky and lead him several days, un
: til he no longer notices the pushing and
, jostling of the vehicle. Then let one ge
} in while another leads, and so gradually
, get accustomed to all around him; OF
} finding he is not hurt he will soon be
f come quiet. Occasionally harness doubl'
/ with steady quiet horse, but put on N
r load. Teach him to back by standing il
= front and pressing on the bit, calling ou
4 back" &C. Always caress him when b
/, has done his duty. During the secon
' winter hitch in double, making the 9th
E horse draw all the weight, and drive TO
r short distance lsay one quarter of
r mile at a time, alternately fast and slow
Train your colts to three gaits in hal
: ness, the fast walk always, the moderat
n or road gait 6r distance, and the rapi'
trot. As, if we desired to make
q man good dancer, we would begi
t Young while the limbs are nimble an,
r the actions grsceful-so, if we desire
r fast walker and fast trotter too, we nui
r take the colt while young aud SO whe
r pressed he will take up fast trot, instea
|. of the gallop, so natural in after years.
: A horse can be trained SO as to trot an
: not break up, as well as boy can tina
o he is to glide but never jump in tn
s waltz. We do not pretend that horse
q will learn to trot equally fast, any NOR
f than all the boys will dance equally vel
# but all can be trained to exert ever
!, muscle in the trot, as well as in the rur
Colts should never be driven fast fc
!, long distances; they become leg-weary
/ and cut themselves, or interfere" as
n called. .........