Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1875 — Breaking Colts. [ARTICLE]

Breaking Colts.

This is the season of the year for weaning colts and consequently for handling them. The earlier colts are broken to the use of the halter and to be handled the better. But before anyone attempts to break a colt he should be certain that he was broken himself—certain that he has conqueredjiis passioris, liis haste and his disposition to drive tilings. Be certain that you can keep quiet, and in a good humor. By kindness engage the colt’s confidence, and he careful never to forfeit that confidence. Colts are sometimes ignorant and headstrong. Kindly teach what you want them to do. And in view of the fact that you cannot tell them how to act, repeatedly show them. And if they cannot understand yon as soon as you think they should,- recollect their position, and at the same time remember the faithful services of the horse when once carefully educated to work. The earlier a colt is handled the better. All animals learn lessons when young better than when older. A fractious man will make a fractious horse. Pounding and severe whipping are useless and cruel, and should not he allowed. When a horse has been rightly • broken, and knows his duty and obstinately refuses to obey, the moral suasion in the shape of an old Pennsylvanian wagoner’s whip may come in its place. But never use it on the colt. Nor should the colt once know that he is stronger than his master, or anyone that handles him. And it is one ot the follies to put a poor halter on a colt. Let him break a few poor halters and good ones will never hold him in after life. Impress upon the colt that you are his friend and not his enemy. Talking to and petting a colt makes him more intelligent, and as a consequence more useful. In breaking do it by degrees. Teach him to lead, then put on part of the harness and lead him about, then with all the harness on lead him alongside of horses which are hitched to a wagon, and soon he understands the whole operation. There is nothing in the Rarey system of breaking horses'?but kindness, firmness and a full comprehension of the nature and disposition of the horse. But, we repeat, never attempt to break a colt until you break yourself of rashness and the exhibition of passion. —lowa State Register.