162 THE PERFECT HOUSE. 



idea of patience and gentleness in handling one of 

 the most sensitive, and at the same time one of the most 

 abused, of God's creatures. Rightly managed, the colt 

 can be taught to walk backward or side-wise, on all 

 his feet or on his hind-feet only, or in any way possible 

 for quadruped to move : nor will it require much time, 

 either, to impart the lesson. In order to do this, when 

 the bridle is on, step directly in front of him, and, with 

 your hands grasping either rein, put a slight pressure 

 upon his mouth, using the word " back," spoken clearly 

 and distinctly (not loudly) at the same moment. He 

 will naturally, even before he understands what you are 

 at, move a little backward, in order to escape the slight 

 pressure of the bit. This done, pat him and gentle him. 

 Then grasp the lines, and do the same thing over again. 

 He will soon associate the sound with the motion back- 

 ward, and, even before the close of the first lesson, often, 

 will readily comply with your request. Do not overdo 

 the thing by keeping it up too long ; for, by so doing, you 

 may exasperate him, and every after-effort to teach him 

 will be the signal for a new fight between you and him. 

 The second or third day, buckle in the lines ; and leading 

 them through the breast-collar and breeching-straps, so 

 that he cannot turn around and face you, take your posi- 

 tion behind him, and repeat the lesson. In a few days 

 your colt will know what you wish him to do, and, I war- 

 rant you, be ready to do it. The pressure on the bit, 

 after he has once associated the word " back " with the 

 motion required, should accompany the command, and 



