216 CICLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



been accustomed to handling horses, and understand the movements nec- 

 essary in overcoming vicious and rearing animals. 



Another plan is to hopple the horse and throw him down, but the one 

 we have described is the best and most successful. It should never be 

 attempted, however, except in a yard so thoroughly covered with some 

 soft material that the animal will not hurt itself in falling. 



XTV. Subduing a Vicious or Tricky Horse. 



No person who is not well assured of his own power, should have any- 

 thing to do with a vicious horse, especially if the animal be vicious from 

 some physical infirmity, such as partial insanity, wicked temper, etc. If 

 the horse has been made tricky l)y a previous timid owner, the case 

 is not so bad. Go into the stable where he is tied, and speak to him in a 

 firm voice. Put a strong snaffle bridle on him, take it by the bit, and 

 order him to back. If he do not obey, strike him sharply with the whip 

 on the fore limbs, holding him with the left hand, yourself partly facing to 

 the rear, but so you can see every motion of the eye and ear. If he kick, 

 cut him sharply ^ath the whip (a raAvhide is best) just above the hock, 

 over the fleshy part of the leg. If he rear, cut him over the fore legs 

 —never, however, giving more than one stroke at a time. 



When he backs, take him into a small, close yard, and make him obey 

 you, coming forward, backing, or standing, as you order. If he again 

 show signs of temper, or unruliness, proceed to make him lie down, as 

 before directed. But a horse that has been in the habit of having his 

 own way with a previous master, is thereafter never safe for any one to 

 drive, except him who has become his conqueror. 



In making a horse lie down, never use undue violence. Once the 

 straps are fastened, you have him completely in your power. Let him 

 struggle; it will do him good. You have simply to watch, keep him 

 from hurting you, and seize the proper moment for subduing him. 



Once you have him down, and quiet, show him a buffalo robe, or any 

 other object he dislikes ; touch him with it, and let him touch it with his 

 nose. When he at length smells at it, let him satisfy himself that it will 

 not hurt him. At the first attempt at putting him down, if he get tne 

 advantage, let him rise and then try again. When, however, you have 

 him in your power and quiet, soothe him : pass your hand repeatedly 

 over his body ; breathe in his nostrils ; open his mouth ; gently stroke his 

 ears and nose, and let him taste of something he likes. Thus, by using 

 judgment, knowing your own power and ability to manage an animal, the 

 most vicious can be subdued to your will, if not to that of other drivers. 

 But, once you undertake to subdue a horse, do not leave him until he 

 gives up completely. 



