SHYING 109 



as if it were vicious, and this horse is consequently very 

 often misjudged. It is the result of ill-treatment at 

 some period of the animal's career. Kindness and 

 gentle handling can alone effect a certain cure. I have 

 seen women handle nervous horses with great success, 

 for women are kind and very patient, and horses take 

 kindly to them. 



A gentle confidence lesson is as good as anything, 

 for when you gain his confidence he will soon show 

 marked signs of improvement. 



SHYING 



If the horse has been broken correctly he will never 

 develop this objectionable habit. Shying results from 

 three causes : bad breaking, nervous temperament, and 

 defective eyesight. For the latter there is generally no 

 cure. In this case blind winkers are necessary, but I 

 do not recommend them for horses with good eyesight. 

 If the habit is caused by nervousness much can be done 

 to cure it. Should the horse shy at small objects, such 

 as paper and dark patches, procure these articles 

 and place them in the circle and long-rein the horse; 

 let him see them and feel them. If the horse is 

 afraid of steam or motors, drive him in long reins as 

 directed in colt -training. A horse can think of only 



