APPENDIX I. 85 



extent. I may here say that when a horse is given to this vice 

 the best plan is to turn him at once and sharply in the direc- 

 tion he wants to go. In tuition what we want to arrive at is a 

 sort of military " two paces step back, march ! " 



In these introductory lessons the main use of the assistant 

 with his loose yet ready leading rein is to prevent the colt from 

 turning suddenly round and facing the trainer, a contretemps 

 with a Galvayne's tackle next to impossible. Reins should not, 

 however, be tried at all till the lessons in the loose box and in 

 the stall are so well learnt that there is little or no fear of sudden 

 fright, ebullitions of temper, or other causes of disarrangement 

 and entanglement of the long driving reins. When the habit 

 of yielding to the indication of the rein has once been acquired 

 and well established, it becomes a sort of second nature, which 

 under no circumstances, save those of panic or confirmed bolt- 

 ing, is ever forgotten. A few lessons carefully, firmly, patiently, 

 and completely given will cause the colt to answer the almost 

 imperceptible touch of the rein or the distinct word of command. 

 Once perfected in answering the various signals at the walk, he 

 is then put through precisely the same movements at a trot, and 

 to be an effective teacher, the breaker must not only be a good 

 runner, but in good wind, he must be active enough to show 

 such a horse as " Beau Lyons " at the Hackney Show at 

 Ishngton. A pony such as is " Norfolk Model," one a hand 

 higher and of a very different stamp, it is true, from what I 

 commend for children, would make a crack " sprinter " put forth 

 his best pace. 



During the time the pony is acquiring the A B C or rudiments 

 of his education, he must be frequently and carefully handled. 

 Every effort should be made to gain his confidence. Like all 

 beasts of the field the speediest and surest way to his affection 

 is down his throat ; he is imbued with a large share of " cupboard 

 love," so the trainer should always have some tit-bit in his 

 pocket wherewith to reward good behaviour and progress made ; 

 moreover, the pupil should be aware of the existence and where- 

 abouts of this store-room. The handling must be general. 

 Rub the head well over with the hands, always working with, 

 and never against the run of the hair. Pull his ears gently 

 (never pull the long hair out from the inside) rub the roots, the 

 eyes and muzzle, work back from the ears down the neck and 

 fore legs, between the fore legs, at the back of the elbows, and 

 along the back, talking to him all the while. Before going to the 

 flanks and hind quarters make him lift both fore feet. If there be 

 any disinclination to obey, a strap should be wound round the fet- 



