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seen by almost every person. Tlie liorse was willing 

 to go, but did not know how to move the load ; and 

 we ask any sensible man to tell us if the horse should 

 be beaten for not doing that which he did not know 

 how to do. You can make a horse do almost any- 

 thing which he can fully understand ; and I do con- 

 ■ tend that by proper education, any balking horse can 

 be started in a few minutes. Some have adopted the 

 plan of buckling a strap to the ankle of one forward 

 foot, standing in front, and by pulling the foot 

 forward, the collar presses against the shoulder, and 

 he will move. Others have adopted the plan of 

 throwing a handful of sand in his eyes, but to this 

 plan, though it succeeds, I am bitterly opposed. I 

 would sooner own a balky than a blind horse. 



If you get hold of a horse that has been long in 

 the habit of balking, just set apart a day for his edu- 

 cation. Gro into some pasture field, hitch your horse 

 to a light load, something that he can move easily. 

 If he refuses to pull, get a half-inch cord, ten feet in 

 length, tie it around his neck and loop it forward into 

 his mouth, just as recommended for halter-breaking. 

 Step to one side, give him a sudden pull, and he will 

 move a step towards you. Step to the opposite side ; 

 give him another pull ; by repeating it ten or twelve 

 times, he will start willingly. Then increase your 

 load, and if he refuses to pull, use the cord as above. 

 I have seen the worst of balky horses in three hours 

 time made perfectly kind — to pull in any spot or 



