n8 



METHODS OF HORSE-CONTROL. 



a half-hitch with the free part of the rope of the halter, 

 passing the loop over the ears (see Fig. 37), bringing the 

 lower part of the loop under the animal's upper lip, and 

 then pulling it tight (see. Figs. 38 and 39). He may jerk 



the rope (leading rein) three or four 

 times, accompanying the action 

 on each occasion with the word 

 " steady ! " The part of the rope 

 which passes under the upper lip 

 should be kept slack, except when 

 the jerk is given, and that any 

 other suitable word may be substi- 

 tuted for that of " steady ! " No 

 horse, when thus secured, will at- 

 tempt any aggressive movement 

 towards the man who holds the 

 leading rein. The rope may be 

 jerked and the word "steady!" 

 used as may be required. The pain 

 inflicted by the application of this 

 twitch is a necessary evil which may 

 well be disregarded ; for its amount 

 is trifling in comparison with the 

 extent of control obtained by its 

 means. If employed carefully, no 

 mark need be left on the mucous 

 membrane. The proper use of this 

 twitch is thoroughly rational ; for it 

 keeps the horse quiet by its de- 

 terrent effect, and not by retaining him in a continued state 

 of suffering, as is done by the ordinary twitch. The word 

 " steady ! " or any convenient substitute for it, should 

 never be omitted ; for after the animal has learned, as he 

 will do in a minute or two, to connect it with the idea 



Fig- 37- Halter-twitch. 



