158 HUMANE HORSE-TRAINING 



Just as soon as he gets the idea with the first foot, 

 change to the other and have him turn the other way. 

 Then alternate first one way and then the other, so that 

 he can do both equally well. 



Another method of teaching the pivot act that 

 makes it a beautiful performance is to have the horse 

 plant both his forefeet firmly on the ground and 

 turn with his hindquarters until his front legs twist 

 together. 



This is accomplished by stroking the front legs to 

 keep the horse's attention there, while you have him 

 take a step or two with the hind legs. Be patient and 

 increase the steps with the hind legs but one at a 

 time, so that you can more easily keep the front feet 

 motionless. 



Turn in one direction only until the horse can twist 

 his front legs before beginning to turn in the opposite 

 direction. 



TEACHING TRICKS 



Nothing adds so much to the worth of a good, fine- 

 looking horse as a few well-executed tricks. Even if he 

 is taught only three or four, and they are performed 

 properly, it is a delight to exhibit such an animal and a 

 delightful thing to witness as well. Teaching a horse 



