THE COLT. 59 



powerless in the hands of the 0})crator, and must submit to what- 

 ever is required of him. In other words, it carries the horse or 

 colt through a rapid and vigorous course of training, which is 

 both systematic and severe, and at the same time embraces in a 

 short space of time all the essential lessons that are to be taught 

 him. This method was first instituted by the late John S. Rarey, 

 of Grovesport, Franklin county, Ohio, although it was not solely 

 original with liini. His experience in training in this country 

 has been very extensive and snccessfnl. In the year 1852 he 

 went to England, and created such a sensation there that it is 

 said the gross proceeds of his exhibitions, lessons, etc., amounted 

 to the sum of £25,000, or about $120,000. Mr. Rarey won his 

 reputation as a trainer by observing the natural laws that govern 

 horses. He exercises reason and patience in teaching and con- 

 trolling them, and has but little use for the whip. While his 

 method of taming the Avild and vicious horse is rapid and severe, 

 it is the most humane and gentle system known. Mr. Rarey uses 

 an ordinary halter or head-stall, with the addition of his breaking 

 bit, for all purposes. He attaches a leading strap to the nose- 

 band, either before or behind. The bit is a straight bar bit, four 

 and a half inches long between the rings, with side bars. The 

 method of converting the halter into a breaking bridle consists 

 merely in attaching any bit that may be selected to the rings con- 

 necting the check pieces to the nose band. The attachment is 

 made by means of two small billets and buckles. The first step 

 is to halter the animal. To do this ]\Ir. Rarey and liis pupils are 

 said to have resorted to the use of drugs. They rub a little oil 

 cummin upon the hands and ap|)roach the horse on the windward 

 side, so that lie will smell the cuniniin. '*Tlie horse will permit 

 you to come u}) to him without any trouble. Rub yo\u" hand 

 gently over the nose, so as to get a little of the oil on it, and you 

 can lead him anywhere. Put eight drops of the oil of rhodium 

 into a silver thimble; very gently open the horse's mouth and 

 turn the oil in the thimble upon his tongue, and he will follow 

 you like a pet dog, and is your i)upil and your friend." He says 



