HOW TO TRAIN A HORSE. 217 



XV. Training a Stallion for Service. 



For the reason that a stallion is stronger, more courageous, higher in 

 nervous force, and more self-willed than the gelding, it is absolutely 

 necessary that his actual training begin from the time he is a year old. He 

 must be stabled, unless a pasture be provided where he may run every 

 day. The ordinary training to halter, and in the flexions, learning to go 

 forward, to back, to stand, to go kindly under the saddle and in harness, 

 may be proceeded with much as in the case of any other colt. In addi- 

 tion to these exercises, he should be taught to circle at the end of the 

 long bridle rein, to the right and to the left at the word of command, to 

 describe the figure eight, to kneel, to sit on his haunches, and to rear and 

 to come as suddenly down at the word of command. These lessons being 

 acquired, he should be exercised in them frequently, and be also taught 

 to come instantly to his master at the word, without bridle or halter- 

 rein. 



It will take time, all this, but henceforth he will not be found drago-ina 

 his keeper about as though he were a toy attached to him." When the 

 actual season of service is at hand, it will save many an accident, when 

 in contact with unruly mares. 



Sooner or later, there may come a time when the stallion will resist 

 authority, and then there must be no hesitation. The whip must then 

 be used sharply and strongly, to subdue him. If he comes at you with 

 mouth open, strike him suddenly a stinging blow across the nose. If he 

 rears, cut him across the fore legs. If he kick, strike across the hind 

 legs, just under the stifle. The whip should be strong, long, flexible, of 

 the best workmanship and loaded with lead at the handle. We have 

 known its use, in striking a frantic brute behind the ears, to bring him 

 down. 



Remember what has been said about not striking more than once. Let 

 there be a distinct interval between each sharj) stroke, accompanied by as 

 distinct a word of command. There is really little danger, to the cool 

 horseman. 



The horse and master should never lose temper at the same time. If 

 so, the strongest brute-force will certainly conquer. After a stallion is 

 once thoroughly trained, never trust him to any but a thoroughly compe- 

 tent groom, and one of calm courage. He is too valuable an animal to 

 be either abused or spoiled. And during the season of service, never allow 

 him to be ridden from one station to another. He should be led beside 

 another horse, even when taking his daily exercise. This exercise should 

 be thorough, out of the season of service, except for a period of rest of 

 a month's duration immediately after the season. During the season, 



