so 



DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



Fig. 3, the hoese in a kneeling postuke peepaeatoey to lying down. 



tlie left bent at tlie elbow, with the hand projecting. As you move 

 forward go not too much toward his head or croup, so as not to make 

 him move either forward or backward, thus keeping your horse sta- 

 tionary ; if he does move a little either forward or backward, step a little 

 to the right or left very cautiously ; this will keep him in the right place. 

 When almost in contact stand motionless for a second or two, giving the 

 animal another opportunity to survey you, then, speaking in a soothing 

 tone, place the hand ligiitly upon the shoulder, working up toward the 

 neck, stroking in the direction in which the hair lies, down the side and 

 front of the face to the nostrils. When the nose is reached suffer the hand 

 to remain, that the horse may smell of it two or three times, and then as 

 Mr. Rarey facetiously remarked, "you've got the animal." Now halter 

 securely. Next in order, pass down the neck to the shoulder and on- 

 ward to the fore-arin, when you must prevail upon the horse to lift the 

 leg which is fastened in the manner described in our illustration. No. 1. 

 A looped strap that can be slipped over the knee is the most expedi- 

 tious. We will here remark that the iloor should be liberally covered 

 with straw (tan-bark or saw-dust is better), to prevent any injury result- 

 ing to the knees, and it would be well to apply knee-caps. While in 

 this position, after letting him stand for a short period, buckle a strong 

 surcingle around the horse, the surcingle having a loop upon it, (see 

 fig. 2,) then fasten a strap around the fetlock of the ofi' leg, passing the 

 other extremity of the strap through the loop. AVhen this portion of 

 the business is completed you are ready for active operations. 



The object now is, to back the horse about the stable until he is 

 tired and evidently wishes to lie down, then compel him to move for- 

 ward, and when the animal lifts the oft' foot for that purpose, draw upon 

 the strap fastened around that leg, thus elevating it to a like position 

 with its mate. The procedure is portrayed in our second engraving. 

 Just as soon as this strap is drawn tightly, seizethe halter close to the 

 head and let the animal down easily upon his knees, as seen in fig. 3. 

 This is a critical period, and tlie operator must possess coolness and 

 energy to prevent disaster to himself or the animal. When the horse 

 attempts to rise, pull hio head around toward the shoulder and his 

 demonstrations will prove futile. ]>ear your weight against his hips, 

 and by voice and action endeavor to give him an idea of your wishes, 

 continuing the movements as long as it is necessary, when he will 



