The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1894-08-28

The education of colt should begin
at an early age He should be taught
at least two things before he is a month
old-namely, to submit to being held
by the halter and to be tied to the man
ger Having done this perfectly, / would
as soon the colt received no additional
lessons until such time as his services
are required, says the Hon. F. A. Der
thick
A spirited horse that can be approach
ed and that will stand quietly at the
halter can be taught to lead promptly
in 10 minutes time All that is re-
quired is light rope halter The oper-
ator should stand at the side of his
horse. Take backward step, at the
same time giving short sharp pull on
the rope. Loosen at once; then repeat
the operation. AS soon as the horse fol-
lows, and he will almost Immediately,
rub his head and give him some article
of food of which he is fond. Repeat
this until he follows promptly.
Now, remember that you must edu-
cate the opposite side in the same man
ner. | have known of but few cases
where, in five minutes, it was not diff
cult to get away from the horse. If you
can get away from him, take position
at a little to one side of the front. Your
horse doesn't know but that you can
pull him endwise as well as sidewise.
A few sharp pulls in this oblique direc-
ton, followed by caresses, and the only
difficulty will be in leaving the horse.
In obstinate cases, or with dull horse,
a cord is sometimes used in the mouth.
1t should be in the hands Of judicious
operator and should only be used as a
last resort.
We never hitch up colt until, in
common parlance, he is broken-that is,
until he reins easily, backs up and starts
promptly at the word, stops instantly
when told and refuses to move for any
reasonable noise or manipulation save
the proper word. As long as the colt is
frightened by the crack of a whip,
spreading an umbrella drumming of
pans or by having his heels touched
there is danger, and we don't hitch up
until the colt can be safely driven.
This, again, takes time, but it is time
well invested 1t saves broken harness,
carts, buggies, arms, legs and heads as
well as saves runaway horses.
Do not undertake to force your horse
when he has the advantage. We have a
4-year-old horse today that cannot be
forced to pass certain objects, but if al
lowed to stand for few moments and
investigate the cause of his fright he
has never refused to pass. Do not even
push your horse too far He may be-
come desperate and cannot be controlled.
Better wait until the excitement and
spirit of resistance has passed. You are
apt in such cases to become heated and
unreasonable yourself. 1t is much wiser
to suspend operations until both parties
are cooler. Be honest with your horse,
for while he is no doubt the innocent
canse of more dishonesty than any of
our domestic animals he is the most
honorable and reliable among them all.
Be steady, firm and kind. Donot expect
him to perform several different actions
at the same word at different times. If
you wish him to stop, always use the
same word for that. If you desire him
to slacken his pace, have some other
signal that you and he understand. -
Exchange.