160 



HORSE SENSE. 



head into some kind of a trap, and by the law of his nature he must 

 go backwards for relief. Blindfold the colt and he will stand, gener- 

 ally. 



Then let us observe these natural laws in all we do with our horses 

 and we will hav.e far less trouble than when we are working directly 

 against these laws, as is too often the case. 



HANDLING THE HORSE BY THE HEAD. 



As most of our horses are controlled, through the medium of the 

 mouth, it will be best to begin our illustrated part, of chapter xxxv, with 

 easy and effective means and methods of controlling the horse through 

 the mouth. We should be decidedly opposed to the use of harsh bits, 

 which lacerate and mutilate the sensitive mouth of the horse, by and 

 through which we communicate our very thoughts, to this noble animal, 

 through the medium of the reins. For many reasons, we should all begin 

 our education of the horse through the medium of the mouth, with a 

 small (comparatively soft) rope, instead of iron bits. It is much more 

 effective, will not bruise the soft, sensitive tissues and by its binding char- 

 acter, in which it is applied, makes our work more readily appreciated by 

 the horse. For instance, when we pull on the rope, it binds in the mouth, 



Cut No. 75- 

 SAFETY (OR STALLION; BRIDLE, FIRST FORM AND POSI- 

 TION. 



