PKKSOXAL EXPKHIENCE. 170 



tlie (lifTiculties and danger of resistance in the horse 

 to be treated. A man who assumes to know all abont 

 horses, and can break any horse, etc., only gives to any 

 sensible, observing man, the strongest proofs of his 

 ignorance. The most ignorant men in the business are 

 tsually the greatest pretenders. Of course it will not 

 be difficult for any ordinary man, by following my 

 system of "Colt Training,*" to break the average bad 

 colts and horses. But if the case is at all critical, suc- 

 cess will depend upon making no mistakes and being 

 thorough. Every failure is an undoubted proof of 

 lack of judgment and good management. 



In building a bridge, or any structure where large 

 risks of life are involved, extraordinary precautions 

 are taken to insure safety against accidents, by re- 

 quiring much more power than is expected to be used 

 at any time. Every part is tested as to its strength 

 and weight far beyond what it is ever required to 

 sustain, and when completed, is again proved, in order 

 to give assurance of its safety. Now in the subjection 

 of horses, especially those used for carrying and family 

 driving, where lives are risked, they should be treated 

 very thoroughly. I always give them such tests as they 

 will never be likely to have in ordinary using and driv- 

 ing; for instance, driving kickers and runaway horses 

 with tin pans and sleigh bells tied to the crupper of 

 their harness, leaving them hang down and striking 

 their heels evprr stfp they take. If they are nervous 

 and excitable. I drive them over paper, under flage 

 and umbrellas, rattle cow bells, tin pans, sleigh bells, 



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