Riding the Young Horse. 25 



ress of the training, can be accomplished very 

 readily by the trainer driving the horse before 

 him for a few times, a pair of light long lines 

 being run through the loops on the surcingle 

 to an easy snaffle-bit. The horse should be 

 driven in circles and upon straight lines, being 

 frequently brought to a halt and then started 

 forward, the trainer using as little force on 

 the bit as is possible, and employing a long 

 straight whip with caution. If at any time the 

 animal kicks or rushes forward, it should be 

 corrected by a sharp pull upon the reins. I 

 have seen horses made confirmed kickers by 

 the application of the whip as a corrective 

 measure, and by the use of whip blows the 

 horse may be taught to kick when it is even 

 threatened. The horse that kicks must be 

 corrected by having its head thrown up ; and 

 any horse can be taught to bear the whip, prop- 

 erly used, by gradual lessons, without flinching 

 or resentment. During the halts in these lessons, 

 the trainer should from time to time loosen and 

 tighten the girths to accustom the horse to such 

 handling, and he should occasionally bear some 

 weight with his arms upon the saddle. The 



