116 BREAKlXa IS. 



the trouble to try tlie experiment, are aware how absolute a command 

 the due admixture of firmness and kindness will soon give us over any 

 horse. 



A somewhat new system of breaking-m horses was introduced into this 

 eoiuitry by Mr. Rarey, of Ohio, in 1858, Avhich at the time attracted 

 considerable attention, and was thought would supersede the old system 

 of horse-breaking. But the complications and other difficulties attendant 

 upon its being fully carried out have prevented its general adoption, and 

 the above system is that now generally employed. The following is a 

 desci-iption of J\Ir. Rarey's method. 



Mr. Rarey commences his acquaintance with the colt when at pasture ; 

 and by the gentlest means, and almost Avithout gesticulation, he Avill entice 

 or urge the colt to enter into the precincts of a barn, stable, or outhouse 

 in the immediate neighbourhood. The colt is very quietly surroiuided, or 

 an old horse is first led in. When the colt has entered he is left alone 

 with the operator, every one and every thing having life being excluded, 

 so that the attention of the colt may be entirely absorbed in the person of 

 the man who has to train and subdue him. After a short pa,use, the man 

 advances very slowly, holding out either hand and speaking to the colt 

 with the gentlest tone of voice. Eventually the colt mil also approach, 

 smell the hand, when occasion must be taken to stroke the nose, then the 

 front of the face, cheeks, and neck. So soon as the colt remains perfectly 

 passive and content with this treatment, then a leathern halter is very 

 gently passed up and on to his head. Rope halters, from their coarseness, 

 are highly objectionable, and should only be employed upon emergency. 

 When the halter is secured, a plain smooth snaffle bridle Avith a moderate 

 sized snaffle bit is passed into the mouth and fitted to the head. Should 

 the colt resist the introduction of the snaffle, then the left hand having 

 the iron bit in it is placed immediately behind the lower lip, and the 

 finger and thumb feeling the bars of the mouth within the Hps, instantly 

 induces the colt to move the tongue and open the mouth. At that moment 

 the snaffle is inserted within the front teeth, and is drawn well into the 

 mouth by the headstall in the right hand. This must be effected Avithout 

 hurry or in any manner to distui'b the feelings of the animal. "When the 

 bridle is secured with the reins in the left hand, the person proceeds Avith 

 his training by handling-, with the utmost gentleness, the neck, shoulder, 

 and near fore-leg. This operation may require some time to effect by 

 continued and oft-repeated pattings and coaxings, since the nervousness or 

 perverseness of some leads them to strike with the near hind-foot, and 

 follow with rapidity the hand of the operator. When the colt permits the 

 handling of the leg and fetlock, the front of the shank is taken in the palm 

 of the hand, and the foot raised from the ground. Sometimes a pressure 

 of the back sinew with the finger and thumb will conduce to hft the leg, 

 at others, tui'uing the colt's head and neck well to the left will assist the 

 movement. When the foot has been once stirred, the operation must be 

 repeated until the colt will allow the foot to be bent near to the elbow 

 joint, and to be retained for a time in that position. The gentle feeHng 

 of the hand then proceeds along the body near the hind quarter and leg. 

 The hind-leg should be lifted in the quietest manner and raised as high as 

 possible. The tail is then well handled, and the off-side of the colt finishes 

 the process of handling or gentling. Should the colt evince any uneven- 

 ness of temper, the speedier method of ti*aining conaists in strapping up 

 both of the fore-legs, and bringing the colt to the ground upon his 

 knees, 



When this process is determined upon, the stable, loose box, or l^arn 

 shoulil be covered with straw or litter to the depth of a foot ; and if the 



