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BOSTON CULTIVATOR
November 16, 1850
On Breaking Colts
Mr. Editor -- Breaking colts is a business that almost every farmer has to do, at least every one is apt to consider his mode of management the best. Now, as there are many colts spoiled by mismanagement in breaking, I am inclined to believe that every man is not capable of understanding the disposition of every colt, and breaking them in a proper manner so as to have them work kindly. It is true, there are colts that may be managed, and be made to do every kind of labor by almost any one, but there are others which require skillful and proper management before they become kind. A horse that is contrary about standing and at starting, has not, in my opinion, been rightly taught in breaking, or has been spoilt since by improper management, and I think all will admit that a horse that will not stand quietly until you are safely seated in your carriage, is a dangerous horse to own; I would rather whip a horse that will not stand, than to make him start. A colt that has been rightly managed is always ready to start when he is told so to do, but they should be treated very kindly, and with great patience.
I have broken many colts, and found it the best way to bit them very lightly at first; by tight bitting at first, I have known colts to throw themselves and even break their necks by falling. When in harness, they must be taught to stop, and stand when spoken to, and not be allowed to start, until they stand perfectly at ease; managing thus, I have never failed to break them to start moderately and kindly. When driving them in harness and before they are attached to a carriage, I take a rope, and tying it to the tugs, I hold back with one hand, to teach them to draw on. Colts as well as older horses are apt to see any things to frighten them while being led in a bridle or headstall, on these occasions they should never be struck, but treated very kindly and spoken to encouragingly; many a horse is spoilt for life by being forced up by whipping to an object at which they have expressed a sense of fear; the man who would flog his horse on such an occasion ought himself to be flogged, unless he is doomed to be himself a horse in the next world, as some believe, when he may very naturally expect to be served out for his cruelty. A colt, while breaking, should not be left hitched to a post for any length of time unless you are near; it is best to take him out of the shafts, unless this be the case.
G. Powers.
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-Napoleon Bonaparte
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