66 THE HORSE OWNERS 



haunches a short time, which you are to accept as comply- 

 ing with your wishes. Always say, *' sit up, sir," every 

 time, and hold him in the position as long as he will bear, 

 by fondling him, and feeding him from the hand with some- 

 thing he likes and your horse will learn to sit up for you 

 as long as you please. 



But if your horse is heavy, and strong, it will be neces- 

 sary to resort to other means to hold him down at first. 

 This you do by putting on his neck a common collar, and 

 causing him to lie down. Then fasten a piece of rope, or a 

 rein, to each hind foot, and bring forward through the col- 

 lar and draw up close, which will bring the hind feet well 

 forward. Then step behind, as before, and when he at- 

 tempts to rise on his hind feet he finds it impossible to do 

 so, because you hold them firmly with these straps. Repeat 

 two or three times, when it will not be necessary to resort 

 to such force. 



TO TEACH A HORSE TO KISS YOU. 



Teach him, first, to take an apple out of your hand. 

 Then gradually raise the hand nearer the mouth at each 

 repetition, until you require him to take it from your 

 mouth, holding it with the hand, telling him at the same 

 time to kiss you. He will soon learn to reach up his nose 

 to your mouth ; first to get his apple, but finally because 

 commanded to do so. Simply repeat until your horse un- 

 derstands the trick thoroughly. 



TO SHAKE HANDS. 



Tie a short strap, or piece of cord, to the forward foot 

 below the fetlock. Stand directly before the horse, holding 

 the end of this strap or cord in your hand and then say, 



