i06 ' HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



Stand on iLe near side, near the shoulder, throw 

 strap across the withers, near where the reins 

 lie. Quietly r.ach down in front and caress the 

 fore legs, and as soon as the horse is sufficiently 

 calmed, tie the strap to the off leg, just below 

 the fetlock. If he is restive and prevents you from 

 tying it, or shows signs of striking or kicking, take 

 him by the head and tail, the left hand well up to 

 the head, and whirl him around two or three times, 

 and while he is disconcerted by this movement, 

 stoop and tie the strap. Then take hold of the near 

 rein, within about four inches of the head, and with 

 the right hand draw up the strap so as to pull the 

 foot clean from the ground, at the same time, pulling 

 on the rein toward you, quite firmly, until he has 

 made two or three hops on three legs. The points, 

 to be gained by this, are : first, you teach the colt 

 that he is not to be hurt and that he cannot get 

 away. This tends to prevent his plunging when you 

 afterward attempt to ride him. Second, by putting 

 the strap across the back, it accustoms him to bear 

 a weight upon his back. Third, it prevents him from 

 throwing himself over backward. Fourth, it accom- 

 plishes your desire in a safer and quicker way than 

 any other known. Now take a shorter hold on the 

 strap, with the foot held up, passing your right arm 

 well over his back, with the left hand take hold of 



