The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1870-01-11
BREAKING COLTS.

Editors Country Gentleman-l vonld
like 70 be informed through the Country
Gentleman at what age to commence to
break colt, and simple directions how
In do II I. Il.
Many prefer to leave the animal till he
is three or four years old, and then to
commence with every thing to learn.
II is better to begin early, as he is more
easily managed, less able to offer resist
ance, and will acquire more permanent
habits. The first thing is to accustom
him to the presence of man, and then
TO he freely handled. This may com
mence when he is but few months old.
1t should be done gently, and repeated
20 often and continually, that he Will
become perfectly familiariwith bis keep
or. Take care never to frighteu him, or
TO awake feeling of resistance. Avoid
touching the ears or other parts that
world startle or annoy him; these parts
may be gradually approached after he
is perfectly familiar with other hand
ling. 1t may be we'll to observe here at
the outset that no person should ever
be allowed to have the care OF colt, or
to attempt breaking him. who has not
perfect control Of himself at all times L,
and who ever allows his temper to be.
come excited in the least degree, FOR be is
entirely unfit for the work. The whole
course of breaking should be attended
with uniformity and gentleness. No
man can be uniform, who allows him.
self to get into passion with a dumb
animal or to exercise any brutality
towards him; and if the owner or hired
manager has not perfect self-cSntrol, the
former should at ence sell his animal or
nut him into better hands, aad the lat
ter should be discharged.
The second lesson is to accustom the
colt to the halter. This should be
leather and not rope, which is harsher,
and would be more likely to chafe him.
Use it often, but not long at a time,
until he is perfectly accustomed to To-
ing led about. There should be no impa-
tient jerking-but never give up to him
everything will yield to constant pres
sure.
The regular system of breaking may
be commenced between two and three
years of age. First try the bride and
bit-6rst few minutes at time, or
not over half an hour, but frequently.
Annoy him with the bit as little as prac-
ticabie. Do not strain his head up to an
unnatural or uncomfortable position
Portions of the harness may be next
applied SUCCESSFULLY, putting them on
slowly and carefully. Then light draw
ing may be gradually practiced. He
may next be put into carriage with
another horse, and after becoming well
aocus omed to standing, driven gently.
The saddle may be Bssd in the same
careful way. In driving or riding on
the road, if be secs any object which
csuses bim TO Shy, take but little notice
of il, do not beat him, but approach 1T
at greater distance, and SUCCESSFULLY
nearer, till he becomes familiar. In
this way one thing after another may be
taught, and when he has once learned
Anything, keep repeating it Till practice
renders il familiar and easy. Nearly all
the bad habits which horses have, come
from improper management, and espec!-
ally from harsh and brutal treatment.
ANY one familiar with cause and effect,
will know that an animal may be taught
o bad habit as well as good one, If the
keeper gives way to his temper. Never
require anything of an animal which
he cannot be made to understand; and
after he underst inds you, gentle, uni
form, and patient and persistent
course, will overcome nearly verything
never allowing him TO get the upper
hand.