THE MASTER REIN 75 



to rear or kick, be ready, and give a good pull on the 

 master rein and bring him to his knees. Let the rein 

 loose and allow him to get up. Give the command 

 " Whoa ! " and at the same time give a pull on the 

 master rein. When he gives in, remove the master rein, 

 but leave the straps on the fetlocks. He will still think 

 you have the rein on with which to down him. Continue 

 to drive around the circle without the rein. 



Next, get ready to harness him, but put the master 

 rein on again before you harness him to the cart. When 

 harnessed, use the master rein and pull his legs away 

 from him ; let him see you can always down him. When 

 you think you have reduced the power of the master 

 rein to your driving reins and voice, then take it off 

 again, but leave the straps on his legs. By gradually 

 removing the straps he will not associate your victory 

 with them. Some horses require downing several times, 

 while others soon submit. 



If the horse does something wrong at a particular 

 place, drive him and be ready to down him just as he 

 is getting ready to kick, rear or jib. If the horse is an 

 outlaw it will be necessary to throw him on his side a 

 few times and show him what really can be done if he 

 is a naughty boy. Then work him out in long reins and 

 the master rein. 



