Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-05-31
"Rreaking" the Colt.


ing" the colt? Is not ''training' bet
ter wordp In truth the object should be
to train the young animal to do the
work man requires of 1t. | am not sure,
however, but "breaking'' more nearly
fits the methods employed by some men.
The colt should be taught what is re-
quired of it in a manner that will give 1t
| confidence In man and yet convince 1t
that man is its master. To do this with
out frightening or hurting the animal
requires skill, patience, and good judg-
ment, but the result repays the trouble.
When We stop to think of the large num-
ber of horses spoiled in the breaking, we
can but realize that the utmost care is
necessary and profitable.
There are many lessons that young
colt may learn while 1t still runs with
it's mother, If she be near at hand, so
that a little time may be spent with her
often. Feed the mother sugar or some
thing that she likes. Feed the colt also
until he has no fear of you. Then pick
up his feet, tap them with something
solid, going through the motions made
by the blacksmith. Put halter on the
colt and lead him. Hold an umbrella
over him. Rustic newspapers around
him and under his feet. Rap his heels
lightly with something that has the
same effect as hitting his heels with
crossbar or sleigh runner. If you spend
time enough with him he will learn
whoa, back, gee, haw, steady, etc. His
mind is plastic and his will power has
not yet shown itself, but he will never
wholly forget these lessons, which might
be termed kindergarten lessons, with a
lump of sugar as reward.
When he comes to the barn he will not
have to be forcibly broken to halter. In
tieing him first, be sure the halter is
strong, comfortable, and the object to
which he is fastened secure in its place.
Loose him when he becomes tired, and
reward him. Continue to practice the
summer lessons after he comes to the
barn. He will probably run the second
summer where you cannot play with
him every day, but be sure to see him
often enough SO that he will not forget
and fear you. When he comes to the
barn he will soon remember his lessons.
Many men harness colt and drive 1t
either single or double without biting.
A horse never minds the rein 30 we'll
when this is done. A bride, with ropes
extending from bit to rings or loops on
the girths around his body, drawn loose
ly at first, frightened each day until the
head is about where well-trained horse
should carry it, should be put on first
for an hour, then longer each day, and
the colt left alone to get used to this
new arrangement. Tie him in his &C.
customed place with 1t on at first.
Afterward turn him into a yard or box
stall, and finally drive him about little
with it. Ten days OF this will "bit''
him so that he can be guided by the
rein, and he will not connect the dis.
comfort of the bit with man and resent it.
In hitching him to carriage the first
time, be sure everything is strong
enough to hold him. Now, If ever, will
come the contest of wills. Be patient,
be kind, but conquer here and now.
Many colts will resist little, but once in
a while one will fight hard. Use the
whip if necessary, but keep your temper,
and when the colt yields, pet and feed
it, 1t is great point to have the colt
believe you to be it's friend. Then, in
case of accident, it will turn to you for
help instead of running away in fear,
When a colt sees some object that 1t
fears, talk to it as you would to fright
ened child. They understand far more
than we give them credit for. Drive or
lead it up to the object feared, have it
put its nose on the dreaded thing. Next
time it will not fear it. Never, unless In |
immediate danger of smash-up, use |
whip on a frightened horse.
All harness should fit comfortably.
Horses that draw loads should have
their shoulders well protected. Many
colt has been made balky by sore shoul-
ders, and many a colt has run away and
harmed itself both physically and men,
tally because harness or carriage was
insecure and gave way. The horse is
mans best animal friend and comes
nearest to man in intelligence. They
are subject to mans will and are at hi.
mercy. More humane treatment, more
care in training, would result in more
benefit to man from this indispensable
animal.-H. Leigh Hunt, in Country
Gentleman.