244 HORSE SENSE. 



encourage the colt to move forwards promptly when that command is 

 given, but it must not be forgotten that the application of the whip 

 should be at the rear end and always in association with the word start! 

 yet never before the command is given for the forward movement, but 

 so quickly after the word is spoken that the colt readily understands 

 what is wanted. These two (the word and blow) must succeed each 

 other so closely that the colt cannot help feeling that when the word 

 is spoken that the whip is right after it, and to avoid the pain of the whip 

 it acts so promptly that the punishment is avoided, and it learns this, too, 

 so there is no further use of the whip with the ambitious horse ; the word 

 is sufficient, and it would be doing a great injustice to use the whip 

 on the horse that is trying to do all that should be required. One 

 sharp cut with the whip is far better than any number of strokes fol- 

 lowing; in fact, no one should ever be permitted to whip a colt into 

 (what is erroneously termed) submission. This term is a misnomer as 

 applied to colt education and should not be tolerated under any circum- 

 stances. Such a thing as a fight between a man and his horse is alto- 

 gether wrong and no good can come of it ; but, on the contrary, bad 

 habits are almost sure to follow, bad feelings engendered that cannot be 

 eradicated, and possibly tricks learned by the horse that the best of han- 

 dlers cannot overcome. 



NEVER WHIP AND JERK AT THE SAME TIME. 



Whenever the whip is applied to the rear part of the colt's body the 

 greatest care must be exercised not to suddenly restrain the forward 

 movement by the lines in a jerk at the head, and more especially if a 

 bit is used in the young, sensitive mouth, or great mischief may be done. 

 Great pains must be taken on the part of the trainer whenever the colt 

 is to be suddenly stopped, as, for instance, following the word whoa I 

 that it is never attempted immediately after a stroke of the whip. When- 

 ever the colt is struck with the whip for a forward movement then it 

 should not be punished in the mouth by a "yank" at the bit. The coif 

 is almost certain to feel that it is between two enemies — rear and front — 

 and any one can reason out the natural and logical conclusions. Some 

 desperate act on the colt's part is very likely to follow. If we must strike 

 the colt with the whip, let us be sure to not restrain it by the lines, but 

 permit it to go forward — fast or slow — as it decides the matter from 

 the effect made on its body. But if we expect a well-behaved colt we 

 must do as little with the whip as possible to get the colt to go. 



MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING. 



It is equally important that the trainer and the colt are mutual friends 

 and have a perfect understanding like when the teacher of the school 

 and the pupils mutually understand each other for harmony and advance- 

 ment in their education. But just as soon as it is discovered that this 

 good feeling and friendship is lost is the right time to stop and let some- 

 one else try it who knows better how it should be done. Never make 

 the lessons of long duration. Never try to force the colt to do what 



