322 NAVIX ox THE HOESE. 



i 



ing the stable with an expression of confidence and determ- 

 ination, commence striking the sides of the stable, the lofting, 

 and the rack, if any, making considerable fuss. By this means 

 you show the horse your power over him, and that resistance 

 or fight on his part would be useless ; and, consequently, he 

 will not attempt it, but will stand as close to the wall as he 

 can get, keeping his head as far off as the wall will permit. 

 jN'ow strike the wall over him, and as near to him as possible. 

 You will very soon find him begin to look for sympathy or 

 friendship, and, when you see this, be sure to show mercy. 

 Lay the pole lightly on him any place back of the withers, 

 and rub him back toward the tail, being careful neither to rub 

 •too lightly nor yet so heavy as to make him think you are do- 

 ing it to hurt him. Continue to rub him until he looks friendly. 

 J3ut if he refuses, make more passes, and then rub him again ; 

 ■in a short time he will throw off his obstinacy and be less 

 .scared. jN'ext time use a shorter stick. Pretty soon you will 

 ifind that you may pat him on the neck ; and after this is al- 

 lowed, rub him under the breast, belly, and flank with the 

 Jiand. After this you can use a clapboard, one about four 

 •or five feet long, following the same course as before. The 

 next thing you wish to do is to put the halter on him. This 

 you will accomj^lish in the following manner : Press over his 

 ■Jiead, and when he lowers it for fear of being struck, hold your 

 hand as high above it as you can, and keep raising and lower- 

 ing your hand until it touches him, but do not keep your hand on 

 Jiis head, until you see his willingness to allow you to do so. 

 When he refuses, resort to the board again. By patiently 

 .persevering in this course he will soon allow you to put your 

 >hand on his foretop, which you should pull and rub, so as to 

 familiarize him with having it handled. This course is to be 

 .pursued with great patience until you think him sufficiently 

 .submissive to allow the halter to be put on. Before venturing 

 ■on this, rub a little oil of rhodium on your hands and clothes, 

 .and wear no other clothes until the horse is haltered. 



