Sko. 8.] 



HORSES AND HORSE STABLES. 



105 



for it, as lie will soon learn to neutralize its efl'ects hy puUi)i(/ and keeping 

 the reins in a state of tension, and thereby prevent the rider from checking 

 or ■wriggling the bit — to punish him. The dead, steady pull is far less yahi- 

 ful to him than the jaw-breaking the rider would be able to inflict upon him 

 it allowed to keep his reins slack and ready for a jerk. 



" One of the many causes which makes jiulling horses is the unsteady seat 

 of their riders. Many men can not ride a iight-inouthed horse, but they can 

 sit a puller with ease, because the firm hold this horse allows theui to hav.e 

 on the reins is the main thing upon which they depend to keep their l)a]ance. 



"I have seen the most inveterate pullers in some peo2)le's hands ritlden in 

 bits invented by their owners, regular jaw-breaking or choking power, and 

 still pulling so hard as to tear the skin of'thcir rider's hands. And I have 

 no hesitation in saying — having frequently proved my assertions by prac- 

 tice — that if one of these tear-away pullers changed hands, and his new 

 owner would bridle him with an easy snatHe, and let him stand in the stable 

 — to feel the difference — an hour before he was mounted ho would forget his 

 old habit." 



143. Saddlc-IIorses. — One of the meanest things ever taught a saddle- 

 horse is to cavort and curve, and go dancing and prancing about as though 

 tryiug to keep within a circle ju?t large enough to hold his four feet closely 

 drawn together. If you are selecting a saddle-horse, see that he does not 

 stand square upon his forward feet. They should reach well forward, and 

 then there will bo such an easy s])riiig that you may ride at a smart trot 

 without feeling as though you are struck with a sledge at every step, as you 

 may upon some horses whose hoofs arc square under the legs, and appear to 

 have about the same degree of spring that you M-ould have upon wooden 

 pins stepping a^ong, and brought down at everj- step like a pavicr's rammer. 

 Never select a very round-backed horse for the saddle. It does not hold 

 its place M-ell upon such a back. A good saddle-horse must possess good 

 sense as well as a good gait and gentleness. 



Ii3. Color ludicativc of GeiitleiiesSt — It is asserted that the reason why 

 circus managers select parti-colored horses is not their fancy color, but be- 

 cause it indicates gentleness and tractability, and that the animals will 

 Bubmit to training better than horses of one color. A little thought and 

 observation upon this subject will enable any farmer to settle the tpiestion 

 In his own mind. Perhaps there is more than appears at first view in the 

 common expression, " a fiery black horse."' Is it not because black indi- 

 cates a fiery temper ? Independent of coloi-, m'c would look in the counte- 

 nance of a horse to see whether he would bear training. In some animals 

 there is a general appearance of an ugly disposition. A face broad and full 

 between the eyes indicates good sense, which is one of the most imjmrtant 

 things in a horse. 



144. Horse Stables should be light, roomy, and well ventilated. Never 

 put a horse in a cellar. P.uild your stablcfj high ; that is, high between 

 floors. Most stables are built low " because they are warmer." But such 



