Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1880 — Breaking Colts. [ARTICLE]

Breaking Colts.

By all means the colt should be broken to halter while yet a suckling, and the earlier in life this process is commenced, the more easily will it be accomplished. He may soon be led by the side of the dam without difficulty; and when once accustomed to being guided by the halter, it will be an easy matter to lead him anywhere. He may also be tied by the side of the dam, as the preliminary step in teaching him to stand quietly when hitched alone. The first step in “gentling” a colt id to overcome his natural timidity by gradual approaches; and when he finds that he has no reason to fear, the work is half done. All the subsequent lessons given him through all the various steps of breaking and training should be based upon this plan of gradual approaches —a species of sapping and mining that will subdue the most vicious, and tame the wildest colt, if perscveringly followed. He should be accustomed to the bridle by means of the “ bitting rig,” before any attempt is made to ride him; and the mounting should always be first attempted in the stall or the lot where the colt is perfectly familiar with all the surroundings. When it is desired to break him to harness, the same principle of gentleness and care to avoid giving fright should be practiced. Place portions of the harness on him at a time, and let it remain on him in his stall until he finds that it will not hurt him; then lead him out with the harness on, alone, and agaiu by the side of another horse also in harness.* Accustom him perfectly to the use of the lines, and theu let him make the acquaintance of the sulky. Push it along after him; and when he has found that it also is harmless, get him between the “thills,” and finally hitch him to it and drive lum. It is the most convenient of all vehicles for use in breaking colts for driving, as the weight is but little, and there is no danger to be apprehended from sadden turning around. Many trainers provide themselves with a stoat, two-wheeled vehicle, constructed like a sulky, but with very heavy “thills.” so strong that the colt cannot possibly break them, let what may happen. Such an arrangement is especially desirable for wild or vicious colts that have not been “ gentled ” when young, or for such as from improper handling have formed bad habits that Hiust be cared.— National LiveStock Journal, Chicago

the vaporous orb. The hanuii nM trip-n**. —Pork shoald never be rstfifi except in the fall aad winter. Veal should be avoided In summer. Beef and mutton are the staple meats. When meat oocnes into the house it should he at onoe hung up in a coal, dry plane until wanted. — Exchange.