BLINDFOLDING. 107 



applicable as the other, to horses that are ex- 

 tremely difficult to handle. 



Blindfolding a Horse. After the animal has 

 been secured in the manner described, or after 

 he has been simply haltered, a further step in 

 the process of rendering him helpless may be 

 taken, by throwing a rug, or other convenient 

 cloth, over his head, and then applying the rope- 

 twitch (see page 113). If he be dangerous to 

 approach, the rug may be placed on the end of 

 a long pole, and then brought over his head, or 

 a blindfolding halter may be put on, now, or in 

 the first instance. The originating idea of this 

 appliance is, I believe, of French origin. It 

 consists of an ordinary halter, with a cloth filling 

 up the space between the cheek-pieces, brow- 

 band, and nose-band ; so as to cover the horse's 

 eyes. 



Blindfolding is an efficient means of control 

 with the majority of horses, although it excites 



