CHAPTER XXXIII. 



MEANS, METHODS AND PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING MA- 

 TURE HORSES. 



The author confesses that he has more or less misgivings in the 

 preparation of this chapter than any of the others, particularly in rela- 

 tion to the means and methods to be used in controlling our horses, 

 when in the hands of the unobserving, impetuous and passionate "hoss- 

 men." 



AS MUCH VIRTUE IN METHODS AS THE MEANS WITH OUR 

 HORSES. 



While he will endeavor to impress upon the mind of every reader 

 the fact that there is fully as much virtue in the methods as the means 

 used, he is quite certain too many will adopt the means of control (as 

 the key of success), and ignore the methods (manner of using the ap- 

 pliances) and then, failing in the desired results, will condemn the 

 author. 



THESE MEANS AND METHODS ARE PROVEN BY EX- 

 PERIENCE AND PRACTICE. 



The means and methods herein given, have often been used by 

 the author and found the most valuable of any he has tried. They are 

 not a mere theory, but principles established upon experience. The 

 author has, in the preceding chapters, tried to impress upon the minds 

 of his readers the importance of complying with the simple laws gov- 

 erning our animals, and he cannot do justice to our noble servant — 

 the horse — without referring briefly to them again, and, possibly, in 

 a manner that will make it more impressive, embracing the priniples 

 and laws. 



NATURAL LAWS GOVERNING THE ACTIONS OF OUR 

 HORSES. 



The pivotal point which determines the action of the horse is the 

 center of his body, and when this is thoroughly understood, very many 

 of the mysteries concerning why horses act as they do is easily under- 

 stood. Whatever we do with the horse, should always be in harmony 

 with these laws. 



1st. Whatever transpires at the front of the horse impels him 

 backward. 



2nd. Whatever takes place at the rear of the horse, inclines for- 

 ward action. 



