The management and treatment of the horse in the stable, field, and ...

22 The Management and Treatment of the Horse,
and then is the time to use a little judgment. I should
not want myself more than three-quarters of an hour to
handle any kind of colt, and have him running about
in the stable after me. I would advise a new beginner
to take more time and not to hurry ; if there is but one
colt, and it is not particular what time you expend, and
have not had experience in handling colts, I would ad-
vise such to take Mr Powell's method, which he says
takes from four to six hours. But, as I want to accomplish
the same, and teach him to be led in less than one hour,
I shall give you a much quicker process of accomplish-
ing the same end. When you have entered the stable,
stand still, and let the horse look at you for a minute
or two, and as soon as he is settled in one position,
approach him slowly with both arms stationary, your
right hand hanging by your side, holding the whip as
directed, the left bent at the elbow with the hand pro-
jecting. As you approach it, go not too near to its
head or its croup, so as not to make it move either
forward or backward. Step a little to the right or left
cautiously ; this will keep it in one place. As you get
very near draw a little to his shoulder and stop a few
seconds ; if you are within reach it will turn its head
and smell your hand. As soon as it touches its nose
to your hand caress it as before directed, always using
a very light soft touch, always rubbing the same
way the hair lies, so that your hand will pass along as
smoothly as possible. As you stand by its side you
may find it more convenient to rub its neck or the side
of its head, which will answer the same purpose as
rubbing its forehead. Favour every inclination of the