722 Reading-Course for Farmers. 



will usually teach the most incorrigible, but it is a ver}' dangerous practice 

 and should be followed only as a last resort and after all other means have 

 failed. It sometimes happens that horses permanently injure their knees 

 or even break their necks as a result of a fall. 



By the application of some such methods the most vicious animals can 

 ordinarily be brought under control. The horse with a disposition to 

 kick, rear, bolt, buck, run and the like can be persuaded that he is only 

 pimishing himself and will soon understand that he must not do such 

 things. It must be remembered, however, that such animals are not very 

 trustworthy and should never be left to the care of those incompetent to 

 meet an emergency. 



Balky horses 



Balking is the refusal on the part of the horse to do the work required 

 when he fully understands what is wanted of him. It is often caused by 

 improper handling, though sometimes by a vicious disposition. Balking 

 is usually associated with nervous temperament, and all influences that 

 tend to irritate the horse should be removed if possible. It is essential 

 that the trainer be quiet and not lose his temper, as shouting, jerking and 

 whipping only make matters worse. Oftentimes if the horse is allowed to 

 stand quietly till the nervousness passes away he will start of his own 

 accord: Distracting his attention by adjusting the harness, giving him 

 an apple, a bit of sugar, or by lifting the foot and gently pounding the 

 shoe, will often overcome the difficulty. 



Halter-pulling 



All horses that have this habit should be securely tied by a stout neck- 

 strap or rope. Oftentimes they can be broken of the habit by placing a 

 small rope, say one-quarter inch, around the body just back of the fore 

 legs, passing the rope between the fore legs, then through the ring of the 

 halter and tying to the post. When he pulls back the rope draws down on 

 his back and he will usually behave. Another method is to tie one end 

 of the small rope around the tail in the form of a crupper, the other end 

 being passed along the back, through the halter ring and to the post. 

 When he pulls back, the force is exerted on the tail and he soon stops. 



