BE UEASONABLK. 99 



unreasonable as to expect him to g-uide by signals that he has 

 never been i aught, such as the pressure of a rein on the neck, or 

 even by a straight back pull on eitlier of the reins, but imitate 

 as nearly as you can the signals he has been taught whilst you 

 were at his side, and still more forcibly wlien each side rein was 

 fastened to a post. Draw hira to either side by a pull on the 

 rein of that side, holding your hand well out from your body so 

 as to give the pull as much side direction as you can. Remember 

 that your object is to keep up the delusion that he can no more 

 resist your pull now you are on his back than he could the pull 

 on the straps that first fixed him to the stall posts. He will 

 quite expect to obey what he still believes to be the irresistible 

 side pull, if you do not frighten him out of his senses with some 

 new object of alarm, or commence before the delusion is established, 

 to resist hi in on some very strong natural instinct. "When the 

 habit of yielding to a touch of the rein has been well established 

 he will instinctively obey it even under excitement, just as a long 

 trained soldier can hardly help obeying the word of command 

 in the excitement of a battle, which would drive his half learned 

 lesson out of the memory of a recruit. Until the habit of yielding 

 to a touch of the rein has become a part of the horse's impulsive 

 nature, strong excitement will make hira forget it, and one act of 

 Successful disobedience, though accidental, may entirely destroy 

 the delusion that he is obliged to obey the rein, and thus make 

 him a less obedient animal fur the rest of his life. 



191). — This awkward looking side pull will not have to be 

 continued long. The colt's sensitive mouth and active tempera- 

 ment will soon begin to notice the slightest touch in that 

 direction, and will not wait for the completion of the side pull 

 signal, just as the carriage horse will not wait for you to take the 

 reins in your hand and give him the order to move, but will move 

 on the moment you put your foot on the step of the carriage. 



AVith a few hours gentle, patient practice, the colt will guide 

 with the slightest touch of the rein, stop for a barely perceptible 

 pull, and pick up the meaning of any side pressure on his neck, 

 or his side, or any other distinct signals with which you con- 

 stantly accompany those he understands. 



