196 



BACKING. 



ment, and get him to find out that no harm results from it. As 

 you use the reins repeat the word " back," and he will not be long 

 in learning what you mean by it. 



443. — Never attempt to teaoli any horse to back a load until 

 you have taught him to go backwards without a load, and then 

 teach him to push a load backwards in the same gradual way, 

 and with the same precautions, to give him confidence in his own 

 power, as you use to get him to pull forwards (380). Make him 

 thoroughly understand the word back, by using the word and 

 the reins together, as long as may be necessary. It is a great 

 advantage to have a shaft horse that will back without any one 

 near his head, and when thus taught the horse always backs far 

 better that when pulled about with the bit. 



