200 MODERN FARRIER. 



The case will also be different with a horse whose 

 fear is owing to his being not used to objects ; but 

 such a one is not to be rode by any horsennan to 

 whom these rules are directed : the starting here 

 meant arises merely from the horse's being pamper- 

 ed, and springing through liveliness. 



The notion of the necessity of making a horse go 

 immediately up to every thing he is afraid of, and 

 not suffering him to become master of his rider, 

 seems to be in general carried too far. It is an ap- 

 proved and good method to conquer a horse's fear, 

 of the sound of a drum, by beating one near to him 

 at the time of feeding him ; this not only familiarises 

 the noise to him, but makes it pleasant, as a fore- 

 runner of his meat ; whereas, if he was whipped up 

 to it, perhaps he might start at it as long as he lived. 

 Might not this be applied to his starting at other 

 things, and shew that it would be better to suffer 

 him (provided he does not turn back) to go a little 

 from and avoid an object he has a dislike to, and to 

 accustom him to it by degrees, convincing him, as 

 it were, that it will not hurt him ; than to punish 

 him, quarrel with him, and perhaps submit to his 

 will at last, while you insist on his overcoming his 

 fear in an instant ? If he sees a like object again, it 

 is probable he will recollect his dread, and arm him- 

 self to be disobedient. 



We are apt to suppose that a horse fears nothing 

 so much as his rider ; but may he not, in many cir- 

 cumstances, be afraid of instant destruction ? of be- 

 ing crushed ^ of being drowned ? of falling down a 

 precipice ? Is it a wonder that a horse should be 

 afraid of a loaded waggon ? may not the hanging 

 load seem to threaten the falling on him ? There 

 cannot be a rule more general, than in such a case, 

 to shew him there is room for him to pass. This is 

 done by turning his head a very little from the car- 

 riage, and pressing your leg, which is farthest from 

 it, against his side. 



