Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1869 [PAGE 302]

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288

I refer to the importance of acquiring a knowledge, as far as possible, of veterinary science. Quack horse doctors are to be let alone with a vengeance. Wherever there is an intelligent veterinary surgeon it is best to consult hirn in all important cases. Students in agricultural colleges, and others who have to do with horses, ought to be taught this science. I thank you for the kind attention you have given me in these rambling remarks. I said in the beginning that I came here only to talk, and now my talk is done.

DISCUSSION.

Prof. BAKER—I wish to inquire of Mr. Colman how he would proceed in the management of a balky horse? Mr. COLMAN—I will give the gentleman a practical illustration of how I would proceed with a balky horse. [Laughter.] Mr. M. L. DUNLAP—You might take the Professor for the subject of your illustration. [Laughter.] Mr. COLMAN—I do not pursue Mr. Earey's system of throwing horses. Some horses balk in one respect and others in another. I have a mare, once owned by Mr. Alexander, of St. Louis. H e was offered $2,000 for her. Afterwards the negroes broke her and spoiled her. She became one of the worst of balky horses. "Finally he sold her to me. I proceeded in the first place to get up a new dictionary—at least a set of new words and phrases. I then put the mare in my sulky with another animal by her side. I had a large and strong sulky. She would lead but would not drive, so I got a boy to ride this one and lead the mare, while I was behind in the sulky, using the new words. [Laughter.] W e went to the city in this shape without rauch trouble. In going home the mare came to a stop and refused to proceed any further. I was now driving her without the boy. The mare stood there, and I let her stand. By-and-by, when she got tired standing, she made another start, and for a time all was well, when she made another stop, more stubborn to all appearance than ever. I did not fret her nor urge her forward, but let her stand. We staid there till nearly dark. I had made up my mind to stay there as long as the mare wished to stay. But as night came on the balky animal became as anxious to get home as I was, and needed but little urging to continue the journey. [Laughter.] She has not, from that day to this, given us any trouble, and is just as kind and gentle as any family horse need be. She took the premium last year at our fair, over many others.