178 FERSONAL EXPERIENCE. 



It is simply getting a horse in shape or condition to be 

 taught. If it is possible to gain a had hoi8«'s better 

 nature, and win his confidence through kindness, with- 

 out any coercive treatment, which I think it is in a 

 great many cases, it is the very best kind of 

 subjection. But in nearly all cases where they are 

 confirmed in the habit, it will be necessary to use 

 coercive treatment to get them under subjection. I 

 have tried to make every point so simple and plain 

 that any one can easil}^ understand there is no mystery 

 in the control of horses beyond that of skilful treatment 

 When managed according to the Jaws of their 

 nature it becomes a very simple matter to subdue and 

 control even the most vicious horses. Every horse 

 made vicious or unmanageable, is so in reality through 

 bad treatment. To be a good horseman you should 

 always show by your actions and conduct, that you are 

 a man, and that your real superiority over horses con- 

 sists in the prudent exercise of your reasoning powers. 

 A man must have patience and courage, if necessary, 

 that borders on harshness, yet always holding himself 

 within the limits of safety. Whatever the difiiculties 

 or failures, he should only exhibit the. more care and 

 patience, until successful. It is especially important 

 that there be no foolhardiness, lack of judgment or 

 carelessness, that will expose the horse to danger or 

 accident. It is an invariable fault of those who claim 

 any skill or experience in the management of horses 

 to be over confident; to think too much of the little 

 they know of applying the treatment, and too little of 



