TO TAKE A HANDKERCHIEF 165 



feet, touch him lightly under the chin with the whip. 

 Some horses are too weak in the hips and loins to walk 

 while standing erect, and it would be cruel to compel 

 them to do so if such is the case. When a horse is well 

 trained to stand erect, as explained, it is easy to reduce 

 to the saddle by a sharp lift on the curb bit just as you 

 give the command " Up ! "' 



TO TEACH A HORSE TO TAKE A HANDKERCHIEF OUT OF 

 THE COAT-POCKET 



Lay a handkerchief in your hand and put a few 

 oats on it. Allow the horse to eat out of the handkerchief 

 and he will naturally get hold of it. After he gets 

 eager for the oats, raise the handkerchief containing the 

 oats and tuck it slightly under your coat. The horse 

 will endeavour to get at the oats, and will soon learn 

 that he must take hold of the handkerchief if he wishes 

 to get any of the oats it contains. Now put the hand- 

 kerchief, without any oats in it, under the edge of your 

 coat. When the horse reaches for it, caress him and 

 give a little oats with your other hand. In a very few 

 moments he will root his nose under your coat in an 

 effort to get the handkerchief, in anticipation of the 

 reward. After he once gets the idea what you want, he 

 will proceed to hunt for the handkerchief as soon as he 



