t t 



The same methodical system as above suggested 

 should be adopted in taking the horse out of the shafts as 

 in putting him in. Some may say after a journey — Oh ! 

 the horse is tired — he's quiet enough now — make haste ! 

 — hurry up ! — have him out as quick as possible ; but 

 it must be remembered, that the horse has a great 

 love for home, and is as anxious to get i?i^o his stable 

 as he was /or a run when brought out fresh. Many 

 a shaft has been broken at the stable door, and many 

 a set of harness partly ripped from the animal's back, 

 throuQfh the tuofs, &c., catchino- the latch or other im- 

 pediment on or near the door, in the hurry of the horse 

 to reach his stall. 



It is a dangerous practice to unbuckle the driving rein 

 billetts before taking the horse out of the shafts, thereby 

 losing the control of the animal somewhat. The breech- 

 band or kicking strap (whichever worn) should always be 

 released first, then the belly-band and traces. The 

 occasional mention of the horse's name, and in fact, a little 

 conversation kept up with him during the process of 

 attaching and unfixing to and from the vehicle, such as — 

 Woa, Charlie! — Steady boy ! — Stand over! &c., facilitates 

 time and avoids accidents, and is calculated to cultivate 

 patience and good temper in both horse and man. 





