The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-08-11
Training Colts.

.s-ssss Farmers are apt 10 go to one of two
extremes With their colts-either to
halter them and drag them about
through the heat of summer on roads
of all kinds, alongside the dams at
work, or else to turn them out to run
wild during the first six months of
!: - their existence, out of sight and hear
- ing of human beings. Now, we take
.iST exception to both these methods of
proceeding-to the first, because the
- limbs and feet of the young animal
are tender and apt to be strained and
-. bruised by being compelled to keep up
aasn 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 inclination prompts. When the
colt becomes tired it drags on its hal
- ter, straining the cords of the neck,
% back and legs. 1t is also disadvanta-
geous to allow the young animal to
run too long without subsection for
when the attempt is made he will re-
T, sist with great force and often with
p: injury. AT the risk, then, of some
extra work, we advise that the colt be
accustomed to be handled often, until
has no fear to approach persons,
and when they always receive caresses
they are ready to do 50. At two
months old put on the halter, but al
y low the colt to go very much as he
r likes, occasionally drawing him to-
,1sl,- ward you and caressisg him. In two
-. hours you will have imperceptiblv
broken him to lead. Then when YOU
= tie him, do so with a halter he cannot
-=arr hrQaE-o short efr1r-o1o I'LL e,4s.g-
him he is conquered. Never suffer
any one to strike or yell at a colt; one
such barbarous act will cause a DAYS
work to overcome its bad effect
When first cleaning him avoid the
.Sa head-then approach that part tender
ly, and if he r~esists, go to some other
point. In a few moments return, and
so continue until he submits with
Epieasnre, rather, to being handled and
rubbed anywhere and on any part =
eeYour COLTS her half broken. Wean
the colt at five or six months old, first
teaching him, while sucking the mare,
ito oats. When taken from the dam
Aeonfne the colt closely, and put them
ont 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, good
81 Garm shelter, will keep him growing
and improving. Don't turn out in
spring till the weather is settled and
warm, and a full bite of grass.
The first year makes or ruins the
colt. 1t is the most important of his
3, life. Keep him fat the first year,
whatever you may do afterwards, for
this year decides whether he is to be a
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 a finely
formed, powerful two-yeao old. If a
g'xhorse, alter him early, before fly time,
= and turn to good grass. In the fall
begin TO break, by biting gradually
tighter each day; within two weeks
you have his head as high and grace
full as nature allows. The neck should
be arehed and the face vertical, with
out constraint. When the biting is
&C accomplished, put on your harness and
let the straps bangle around his legs
e ntinue this until he pays no atten.
tion to them, but do not-over-fatigue
the colt either in the biting bride OF
II harness. The bending of the neck is
extremely painful and should be done
-.