326 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



he has become quite reconciled to this, the rider 

 must now apply pressure with his legs, and also 

 a gentle touch of the heels when he desires to 

 quicken his pace, which will finish the process of 

 training. 



All this accomplished, rewards must be gradually 

 withdrawn, and obedience instilled by gentle and kind 

 treatment, which in most instances is all that is 

 required. But should the colt at any time become 

 obstinate and resist the commands of his rider, the 

 whip and the spur must be applied to enforce 

 obedience. These means, however, should be very 

 sparingly used, for whenever he finds that he must 

 yield to the power of his rider, he will seldom attempt 

 to disobey him ; but on a recurrence of restiveness, 

 soothing should first be attempted to restrain him, 

 which in most cases will have the effect ; firmness 

 and gentleness are more likely to prove effectual than 

 cruelty and harshness. Few horses are naturally 

 vicious. 



The above is applicable to a horse that is to be 

 used for riding, we come now to those means best 

 adapted for fitting him to endure harness and the 

 draught. At first, portions of the harness should 

 only be placed upon him, and then blind-winkers, 

 and in a few days the whole trappings. He should 

 then be put into the shafts of an empty cart or 

 waggon ; and the better to teach him to draw, 

 another horse may be placed before, and there is 

 little danger but he will soon be taught to follow, 

 gentle patting alone being used to encourage him. 

 He should then be tried alone, and if he works, then 

 a little weight may be added, and increased by 

 degrees, until he will draw a full load. The horses 

 used in agriculture will frequently be required for 



