TRAINING THE HORSE. 105 



log, or a heap of tan-bark in the road, and while he is 

 eying it carefully, and about to pass it, you strike 

 him with the whip, it is the log or the stump or the 

 tan-bark that is hurting him, in his way of reasoning, 

 and the next time he will act more frightened. Give 

 him time to examine and smell of all these objects, and 

 use the Bonaparte bridle to assist you in bringing him 

 carefully to these objects of fear. Bring all objects, 

 if possible, to his nose and let him smell of them, and 

 then you can begin to accustom him to them. 



DRIVING. 



In teaching a young horse to drive well, do not be 

 in a hurry to see how fast he can trot. Keep each 

 pace clear and distinct from each other; that is, in 

 walking, make him walk — do not allow him to trot. 

 While trotting, be equally careful that he keeps 

 steadily at his pace, and do not allow him to slack 

 into a walk. The reins, while driving, should be kept 

 snug; and when pushed to the top of his speed, keep 

 him well in hand that he may learn to bear well upon 

 the bit, so that when going at a high rate of speed, he 

 can be held at his pace; but do not allow him to pull 

 too hard, for that is not only unpleasant, but makes 

 it often difficult to manage him. 



BALKY HORSES. 



When the horse balks in the harness it is not from 

 any unwillingness to perform his duty, but from some 

 confusion or excitement arising from mismanagement. 

 He is willing and anxious to go, but too eager or 

 high-spirited to make the steady push against the 

 collar necessary to move the load. The usual plan is 

 to commence to curse and lash. A volume might be 

 written on the importance of keeping cool on all such 



