The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-12-21
Training a Colt.

The most successful way of training
an animal is to begin at birth. 1t Is
then readily managed, as there Is no
acquired habit to be overcome. The
important fact to be kept in view is to
teach him what you want him to
know, and only that. In order to do
it successfully, two things are neces-
sary-kindness and decision; these
must never be lost sight of. Let the
colt know you mean well in the start
and all subsequent handling. And in
directing him, give him to understand
that there is no other way than yours,
and he will soon be made to respond to
the gentle yet firm pressure. Let your
society be among his first impressions.
Pass your hand softly over him and pat
him, but do not tire him. Repeat
your visits ut first, ut short intervals.
You will thus, in his mind, be coupled
with his mother, and share her famil-
iarity and also the sense of protection.
Ii you secure his attachment and re-
lance upon you, you will have laid
the basis for all your work. When
leading the mother, put halter on
the colt also, so as to get him used to
it and give an idea of restraint. Con-
tinue this in the stable. In the use of
the halter care most be exercised so as
to avoid raShnesS and maintain your
lirmneSS with him; never yield in
what you undertake, being sure you
only undertake what is Necessary,
and what has previously been de-
termined upon. But have confidence;
he is young, and you never can handle
him so readily as now, when he is the
feeblest and has not learned different
ly. He will soon yield to your way,
the only way he will know, and all the
more when he knows it will do him
no harm. This last is important. If
harm is to come to him, let it not
come from you. Make him familiar
with noises and startling approaches.
first of a mild character, gradually in
creasing till the most stirring ado fails
to move him. This will prevent his
shying. Handle his feet and familiar
ize yourself with all parts of him. Put
things on his back, light at first; fol-
lowed with bag, and at last, when he
is old enough, with yourself.
What~ve is done, never lie to a colt
never contradict yourself; he will
remember it, and it will confuse him
he will be as apt to go wrong as right.
All uncertainty must therefore be
avoided, and the line marked out for
him must be clear to him, as to you
also; he must be held steadily in that
until he becomes established in it,
when he will not wish to depart from
it. All must be done with view.
among other things, to make it as
pleasant for him us possible, with the
restraint always applied when needed,
and never yielding, but doing it in
kindness and with as little ado as
possible. He thus gradually and I'M
aware to himself learns to do what
you want of him and that alone,
if you keep other influences away
from him. Do not bother him
with heavier loads than he can draw,
if you wish to keep him from baking.
In all that you are to do, do not lose
sight of the important elements of
doing it in a gradual way. If it is
thought there is too much to be done,
let it be remembered that the horse is
a valuable animal, and that the pains
taken with him increase his value by
making him so much the more service
able, readily handled and always reli-
able. Every true horseman will APP
preciate this. If the colt fails to
respond with sufficient alacrity-if,
further, he is stupid or awkward, or
of an indolent nature-sell him; you
do not want him.-Country Gentle
man.