HORSE SENSE. 101 



MAKING ACQUAINTANCE WITH BOTH ENDS OF THE 

 HORSE AT A DISTANCE. 



This exercise is equivalent to driving him single, and he can soon be 

 taught to start and stop at the word. 



He should first be taught to go in only one direction until he luUy 

 understands what is wanted of him; then he may be turned in the 

 opposite direction, but care must be taken that he does not become 

 confused, or his instructor excited, as frequently mistakes and mis- 

 understandings occur right here. Don't undertake too much in one 

 day. Remember that one thing well learned is worth any number of 

 things half learned. 



HANDLING THE LEGS OF THE MATURE HORSE WITH 



EASE. 



Take a long strap, like a tie-strap, with a ring or loop in one end, 

 put it around the hind leg about the hock or above, run the end through 

 the ring or loop and let it slip down between the fetlock and hoof, 

 then with one hand holding the cord at the head, commence pulling 

 gently on the strap at the foot. If the horse will yield to it, let it 

 down again very soon, as seen in cut No. 41, and so on until the horse 

 will allow any one of his legs to be handled without resistance. 



Cut No. 41. 



THE OLD FARMER SHOWING THE COLT HOW HE 



SHOULD YIELD UP HIS FEET. 



If he does resist the pressure of the strap on his leg, you should at 

 that very instant, make a greater impression at his mouth with the 

 rope, and he will soon realize that the one governs the actions of the 

 other, and will permit the legs to be handled, if done gently, as that 

 hurts less than at the mouth when he resists. This is a far better 

 method than to try to take up the feet in the ordinay way the first tim.e. 

 In this way the horse has more freedom in the vtse of his legs and 

 he must first learn that he is not to be struggled with, and then he 

 readib yields his feet to your wish. 



