46 HUMANE HORSE-TRAINING 



the colt). When you approach the spot where you 

 intend to stop, hold the reins steady, say " Whoa ! " 

 positively and distinctly, and immediately follow with 

 a sharp pull on the reins. Always drop your hands as 

 soon as the colt stops. The third time the colt will, if 

 you have stopped him there each round, respond to the 

 command " Whoa ! " After having taught the left side, 

 proceed in the same way to the right. 



" Whoa " is the most important command to teach 

 your horse ; your life and the lives of your friends may 

 sometimes depend upon your horse being so thoroughly 

 trained to stop at command that he will obey under all 

 circumstances and excitement. Remember never to 

 use the word " whoa " unless you mean it. " Whoa " 

 means stop, and let the word " whoa " mean only one 

 act. If you only want your horse to slow down, say, 

 "Steady, steady, boy." 



The tip end of the horse's nose is the most sensitive 

 part of the horse (the sense of touch). Most people 

 imagine that when the colt slowly approaches an object 

 he wants to smell it, but he doesn't ; he only wants to 

 feel it. Touch the colt's nose with a stick and let him 

 feel it carefully ; then rub it down his forelegs several 

 times. Then rub it over the neck and down the back 

 toward the tail and down the hindquaiters. After the 



