--156 — 



Kever use one word with too many meanings. You mnst nere* 

 lie to your horse and never deceive him or make false motions ; if 

 you do you will never make a success as a trainer of the horse. 



Mankind are too apt to depend upon their own strength to heat the 

 horse, without making any use of their reasoning powers to out- 

 general him ; and, in many instances, such an exercise of tyranny 

 over the horse only engenders a rebellious spirit on the part of the 

 animal. Therefore, lay aside your strength and use your reason. 

 Be moderate, be temperate. No man can become a good horseman 

 and not have first learned to control himself before he attempts to 

 control the animal. Be firm, be persevering, be honest Never lie 

 to your horse Endeavor to have him understand what you want, 

 and do not confuse him by attaching difierent meanings to the same 

 word. It is quite common to say "whoa," when it is only intended 

 to go slower ; or, when the horse has not stirred a foot, to let him 

 know of your presence ; and then when you want a "whoa," when 

 your life may depend upon your having a good *whoa" upon your 

 horse, you find you have not got it. You have played it entirely out 

 of him. Never say "whoa" unless you mean to stop right there. 

 Speak always in a natural tone of voice, under all circumstances. 



Have your horse understand, by examination and experience, that 

 ihe things liable to frighten are harmless, and be sure not to whip 

 him for being frightened. Always let your horse face the object of 

 fear; and, when frightened, remember the slower you move your 

 horse the more power you have over him. There are times when 

 letting a horse trot is almost as bad as letting him run away. 



Fear is something a horseman should never exhibit in his counte- 

 nance or voice, as the horse is a close observer, and soon learns to 

 take advantage of such indications to become careless of control, if 

 not indeed aggressive. Let your lessons ' thorough but not very 

 long. Be gentle and patient with th colt, but mat^e the willful 

 stubborn horse feel the full extent of . ■ . wer, till he submits. 

 Though if he should become much heated and excited, it is prudent 

 ko stop and repeat the lesson at some future t^^e — repeat until there 

 is thorough and unconditional submission. Let your treatment be 

 characterized by gentleness afterwards. 



