Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1876-04-14
Some Hint. About Breaking Colts,
G in Ohio Farmer.

III OIlO FArmer
In Kentucky, the saddle-horse is
never driven, nor is the carnage
horse ridden. This is undoubtedly
the right thing when practicable, but
it isn't always. At three years the
colt is old enough to begin his life
OF work. AS soon as the colt has
been halter broken, put on a biting
bride. But, it may be you don't
know exactly what this is. 1t is a
bride with large smooth bit and a
double set of reins so that the horses
head may be held up and his nose
held in at the same time. The rcins
are buckled to girt to which is also
attached back strap with crupper.
Having put on this biting bride,
turn the colt loose in small lot con-
tanning nothing on which he can in
jure himself. Then "let him work"
as friend forcibly expresses it. In
other words leave HIM to himself for
a few hours. Repeat this operation
for several days, if you are not in a
great hurry to make an old horse out
of your young one; and in such mat
tiers as this you she uld never be Gin a
rush." Now, on warm day lead
the colt beside another horse several
miles, in fact till master Tom,
as we shall hereafter call the colt, is
pretty tired. Take him over different
roads and through avariety of scenes
in order that he may become familiar
with travelling. If he has been rails
ed in the country, show him the town;
or if town bred, give him taste of
country air. Remember also, that
the biting bride must be kept on
during this exercise. BY this treat
ment Tom will learn to travel
straight along, without turning his
head, and gaping at things around,
like the country green-horn in the
city. The chief difficulty in breaking
colts, is to get them rode the first
time. There will, however, be no
trouble in this, if, when the colt has
been subdued by being led long
time, you put on his back brave,
but cautious boy. Always in hand
ling horses, beware of showing any
fear of them, for they will take ad-
vantage Of you If you do. you must
inspire them with respect for you
and make them acknowledge their
master. But this furnishes no excuse
for harshness OF severity. Now, ride
the colt from five to fifteen miles
every day, and watch him very care
fully all the time. Teach him what
he doesn't know, and correct his nat
ural faults. This fact is worth not
ing, that the average colt is simply
ignorant and foolish; not as some i'm
agine, possessed of the devil" Once
in while, a really vicious one
is seen. Such a one will require a
special effort. This is the time to
"gait" the horse. The different gaits
should be taught in the following or
der: l, walk; 2, trot; 3, run; 4, can
ter; 5, pace. There is one exception
which should not be overlooked. If
the horse is a natural PAGER, the pace
should be number 2 instead of 5.
Make your colt walk five miles an
hour at least; many horses can easily
make SIX miles. The importance of
this gait is generally overlooked.
Don't fail to teach your horse all
of these five PAGES. 1t is possible
and will greatly add to his utility
and value. Give your horse liberal
education. The directions for train
ing driving horses must be deferr-
ed.