The Pioneer Express

Breaking a Colt.

There are two very essential things regarding breaking in a colt. First, you must be a man of courage, and second, you must be blessed with a mild disposition and be a true lover of the class of animals you are handling. If you have an ungovernable temper, don't ever undertake to break in a colt. There are times when the whip must be applied, but all men do not know when to stop when they once begin. Two or three smart blows with the whip are far better than double the number half as smart. Do not keep continually hitting the colt for every little offense, and never keep tapping him along on the road, but when you find him unwilling to obey the word of command, hit him once or twice, and hit him hard, then put on the whip. You will find him very apt to start the next time you speak to him. Teach him to be a good walker, and whenever you find him lagging at the walking gait, touch him up. He will soon learn to walk well, which is very essential to a good horse.

If you have a colt with a trotting gait, protect him with shin and toe boots. Nine out of every ten colts touch their toes, or forge, as the blacksmiths call it, and it is a very good sign that he or she will develop speed, so do not get discouraged at his hitting but protect him every time you drive. If you allow him to hit his toes without protection, he will soon go to hitching; a hitching colt or horse is very poor goods. Do not ever expect to beat with a hitcher anybody's horse or colt that goes level, for you cannot do it.

When you first start out with your colt he is very apt to want to start off quickly. It is better to indulge him in this at first rather than pull him back, as he will settle down after going a short distance, and if you pull him or yank him, he is very apt to balk, and it is better always to avoid balking if possible.—Farm and Home.